Aug. 24 will officially become “Kobe Bryant Day” in Los Angeles, the City Council announced on Monday.
Councilmember José Huizar, Council President Herb Wesson and Councilmember Curren Price will honor Bryant at Los Angeles City Hall on Wednesday for both his excellence on the floor and philanthropy off it.
The date was chosen as a tribute to the jersey numbers that Bryant wore for the Lakers: 8 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 NBA 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,” Huizar said in a statement. “For 20 years, we were all the beneficiaries of Kobe’s incredible talent and legendary work ethic, and on 8-24 we’ll gather to say, ‘Thank you, Mamba.’”
The City Council cited Bryant’s accomplishments on the hardwood — including five championships, 18 All-Star nods and the 2008 MVP award — as well as the work that he his wife, Vanessa, have done in the community.
In particular, the couple created the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation to help young people in need — both domestically and globally — especially those at risk of homelessness. The KVBFF also focuses on urging youths to stay active through athletics.