Jeanie Buss honors late NBA legend Kobe Bryant with raw emotions on his 47th birthday and Mamba Day in LA

Some moments in sports never fade from memory. Kobe Bryant gave basketball fans many of those moments. His fearless free throws on an injured Achilles in 2013, or his calm stare when Matt Barnes tried to shake him, showed his willpower.

For fans, 24 August has become a day to honor him.

Known as Mamba Day, it falls one day after his birthday and carries the two jersey numbers he wore. This year in Los Angeles, the day carried even deeper meaning.

Jeanie Buss honors Kobe Bryant with powerful tribute as Los Angeles marks Mamba Day

On Saturday, 24 August, Los Angeles Lakers co-owner Jeanie Buss marked Mamba Day with a touching tribute to the late Kobe Bryant. Buss, who took over the Lakers after her father Jerry Buss passed away in 2013, was very close to Bryant during his two-decade NBA career with the team.

In her message, posted on the Lakers’ official platforms, Buss wrote:“Happy Mamba Day 2025! Each year it grows in meaning, becoming part of our calendar. Mamba mentality applies to all, not just athletes. Challenge yourself – if you are going to do something, do everything you can to prepare and execute it effectively. Do the work and go for the win.”Her words came as Los Angeles celebrated the progress of a new community basketball project inspired by Bryant’s vision for youth sports.

The milestone was announced alongside Nike’s third Mamba League Invitational, which gathered top high school players from across the country. Nike described the event as a stage “where Mamba Mentality takes the stage”.

Los Angeles honors Kobe Bryant’s legacy with citywide Mamba Day tributes on August 24

The date 24 August holds special significance. Kobe Bryant was born on 23 August 1978. During his career with the Los Angeles Lakers, he wore the jersey numbers 8 and 24. That is why the day after his birthday is celebrated as Mamba Day in Los Angeles and across the basketball world.Tributes abounded throughout the metropolis this year. Outside Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, admirers held flowers, murals, and jerseys. Young players were drawn to the court with the Mamba League Invitational. It revealed how Bryant's attitude continues to motivate the next generations.For many, the day had more meaning than just basketball. Along with Gianna Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter, Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California that day.

The incident broke the hearts of friends, teammates, and supporters all around the world.Also Read:Dwyane Wade’s wife Gabrielle Union sparks debate with explosive Bring It On 25-year anniversary videoJeanie Buss posted a message that moved many. Her words revealed how Kobe's essence permeates the Lakers family. It was a public homage for her, but also a private memory of the relationship she had with one of the team's finest legends.