The city of Los Angeles has declared that August 24th will be "Kobe Bryant Day." The announcement was made Monday night, and will cleverly honor both numbers (No. 8 and No. 24) worn by Bryant during his 20-year NBA career.
While the Black Mamba accomplished many feats on the basketball court, including helping to bring five championships to Los Angeles, Kobe Bryant Day is meant to recognize his philanthropy. This includes the creation of the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation (KVBFF), which focuses on "improving the lives of youth and families in need, and encouraging young people to stay active through sports," as well as serving as honorary chair of United Way of Greater Los Angeles's annual HomeWalk, and as the ambassador for After-School All-Stars.
After being selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, Bryant was immediately traded to the Lakers, and called L.A. his only home for two decades. Even during the franchise's tough times, Kobe stayed with the organization. In true storybook fashion, the Black Mamba dropped 60 points in his last game at the Staples Center, leaving one final mark on the Lakers faithful.
Since his retirement from the NBA, Bryant has popped up every now and then: getting slimed on Nickelodeon, starting a $100 million venture capital fund, and discussing his "retired caveman look." So far, Kobe has put his time to good use, and it doesn't look like he's going to be stopping anytime soon.
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