UCLA Health is continuing its heartwarming tradition of celebrating babies born on Kobe Bryant’s birthday.
Honoring Kobe: Gifts for Newborns
On August 23, which would have been Kobe’s 46th birthday, UCLA Health gave newborns Los Angeles Lakers gear to honor the “Black Mamba.” The next day, known as “Kobe Bryant Day” or “Mamba Day,” all babies born at UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center and Ronald Reagan UCLA Center received special gifts.
A note in the Lakers care package read:
“Welcome to the world! Today just became more special! The world has always celebrated Kobe Bryant on this day. Now, your growing family has even more of a reason to cherish today. To your little one, the next-generation Lakers fan. And to Kobe, may your family always continue his legacy by wearing purple and gold. Congratulations.”
Welcoming the newest Lakers fans to the world.
To honor Kobe's birthday, babies born this week are receiving extra special care packages thanks to @UCLAHealth 🤗
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers)
The Lakers shared photos of newborns in No. 8 beanies and “Little Laker” tops. They also got onesies, blankets, and T-shirts for parents with No. 24 on them.
Fans love how they keep honoring Kobe’s memory like this.
This marks the fourth year that UCLA Health and the Lakers have teamed up to celebrate Bryant’s legacy.
Kobe and Gigi Statue Unveiling
Earlier this month, a new statue of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna was revealed outside Crypto.com Arena during a private ceremony. This is the second of three planned statues for the NBA legend who tragically died in a helicopter crash with Gianna in January 2020.
8.2.24 – Kobe and Gigi forever immortalized 🦋
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers)
The statue stands near another monument celebrating the Los Angeles Kings’ 50th anniversary. A plaque reads “Gianna Bryant, Inspirational Icon for Girls in Sports” and “Kobe Bryant, Proud Supporter of Women in Sports.” Underneath are words from Kobe: “Gianna is a beast. She’s better than I was at her age… I’m a girl dad.”
Vanessa Bryant mentioned that there will be a third statue showing Kobe in his No. 24 uniform expected during the 2024-25 season.
