NBA, Lakers Pay Heartfelt Tributes to Kobe Bryant on 46th Birthday

More than four years have passed since Kobe Bryant tragically passed away alongside his daughter Gianna, but the impact he left behind remains strong to this day.

His career in the NBA is unforgettable. He got drafted straight out of high school then traded to the Lakers, building his way up the ranks until he became a star in front of everyone's eyes.

Winning five NBA titles with the Lakers throughout his 20 years in the league with the likes of Shaquille O'Neal and Pau Gasol as his co-stars, Bryant cemented himself as a legend. Not only was he one of the greatest scorers the league has ever seen, but he was also one of the best the world has ever witnessed.

Aug. 23 marked a special day for Bryant, who would have turned 46 as it was his birthday. The NBA and the Lakers made sure to give special tributes to the legend with posts on social media.

"Remembering Kobe," the NBA said in their Instagram post, using two purple and yellow hearts to indicate Bryant's Laker loyalty and including his birth date.

"Los Angeles' heart & soul - Happy Birthday Kobe," the Lakers said in their Instagram post, including a purple heart at the end.

Besides the five championships, Bryant was an 18-time All-Star, 15-time All-NBA, 12-time All-Defensive, four-time All-Star MVP, two-time Finals MVP, as well as he regular season MVP in 2008. He also remains high on the all-time scoring list, currently fourth with 36,643 career points behind LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Karl Malone.

Bryant's impact on the league can still be felt to this day, with players hoping to be as dedicated and focused as their icon was when he dominated the league.

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