Aug. 24, the day after the birthday of late Los Angeles Lakers great Kobe Bryant, has become known as Mamba Day over the last few years.
This year, the Lakers commemorated Mamba Day by announcing they will unveil a statue of his likeness on Feb. 2, 2024, outside of Crypto.com Arena.
LeBron James has made his love and respect for Bryant clear ever since the latter was killed along with eight others in a tragic 2020 helicopter crash. On Thursday, James posted a picture of himself with Bryant from many years ago, and he also posed at the Lakers’ facility near Bryant’s No. 8 and No. 24 (h/t The Cold Wire).
James’ Lakers used Bryant’s memory as inspiration during the second half of the 2019-20 season as they powered their way to the NBA championship. With a strong and balanced roster going into this coming season, perhaps they will make the Black Mamba proud once again by earning another Larry O’Brien Trophy next June.
Story originally appeared on LeBron Wire