You know you are beloved when an entire city sets aside a day in your honor.
After bringing a number of distinguished accolades to the Los Angeles Lakers for 20 seasons, the “City of Angels” will honor Kobe Bryant with a day dedicated just for him on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila), according to the Orange County Register:
Busy week for Kobe Bryant. Rings the bell at NYSE this morning. Now, L.A. City Council set to declare Wednesday — 8/24 — Kobe Bryant Day.
— Bill Oram (@billoram) August 23, 2016
“For 20 years, we were all the beneficiaries of Kobe’s incredible talent & legendary work ethic, and on 8-24 we’ll gather to say, ‘Thank you, Mamba.'”
The special tribute, meanwhile, comes just a day after The Black Mamba turns 38 years old. The chosen date, 8/24, is also a knock on Bryant’s jersey choices during his playing days for the Purple and Gold.
Bryant spent his entire career with the Lakers, going to 18 All-Star Games and winning five NBA championships. His 33,643 points rank third on the NBA’s all-time list, making him a surefire Hall of Famer when he is eligible.
The one-time league MVP is enjoying is currently enjoying life after basketball and recently announced the formation of a $100-million venture capital fund in partnership with investor Jeff Stibel. Khristian Ibarrola
Asked by @carlquintanilla if he would rather be seen as a greater player or investor, Kobe Bryant says…investor.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) August 22, 2016
READ: Kobe Bryant starts $100 million investment fund