Kobe Bryant waves to the crowd as he is introduced before a game against the Thunder in Oklahoma City on April 11.
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The 39-year-old was gifted the day by the City of Angels on August 24, which incorporates the two numbers he wore during his 20-year tenure at the Staples Center, eight and 24.
“Among his astonishing list of accomplishments, Kobe Bryant’s 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers ranks him No. 1 all-time for National Basketball Association players who played for a single franchise, and “Kobe Bryant Day” is the City of Los Angeles’ way of thanking him for his single-minded dedication to excellence, the fans and the entire City and region of Los Angeles”, L.A. City Councilman Huizar said in a statement, according to ESPN’s Arash Markazi.
Chants of “Kobe, Kobe, Kobe” from a packed audience greeted Bryant as he appeared in the City Council chambers, accompanied by his family, Mayor Eric Garcetti and other city leaders.
It will further strengthen Bryant’s already strong brand appeal which has saw him agree partnerships with sponsors including Nike and Hublot.
“I don’t believe in my 10 years here at City Council there has been a more exciting day than today”, Councilman Jose Huizar said, “as we welcome Kobe Bryant on Mamba Day in the city of Los Angeles”.
Staples Center and Los Angeles City Hall are just a short drive apart and, on Wednesday, they sounded almost identical, as Lakers fans packed the City Council Chambers and filled them with chants of “MVP!” and “Ko-be!”
“It was something that you’d drive around here and you’d see but you really don’t hear anymore”, he said, “because it’s been around so much”.
Bryant rang the bell at the New York Stock Exchange Monday morning as they made the announcement. Fans welcomed Bryant to the podium by singing “Happy Birthday”.
Bryant attended with his pregnant wife and their two daughters. And after today’s wonderful celebration, I hope that this legacy extends beyond basketball.
“This is one of my passions”, is one of the things Bryant said. We only play for one thing in this city, and that’s winning championships.
“I was born to play basketball”.
Bryant said when he first became aware of the issue, homelessness in L.A was “white noise”.
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“It’s a very surreal experience having a day named after you”, Bryant said.
