National Kobe Day

A basketball court with a spotlight shining on a framed picture of Kobe Bryant, surrounded by basketball shoes and jerseys.. — National kobe day illustration

Greetings couch potatoes and hoopsters alike! Let's take a trip down memory lane as we dribble over to the basketball court and reminisce on the life and legacy of NBA legend Kobe Bryant. But, don't worry, this doesn't require any running. Whew! Let's dive into the less sweaty world of national days, and unwrap the history of National Kobe Day.

When is Kobe Day?

It's national kobe day on the 27th January.

How National Kobe Day Scored its Way Onto the Calendar

National Kobe Day first bounced onto our calendars with an impressive 2663 mentions online, much like the scores Kobe was known for. As we pressed our virtual 'rewind' button, we found that the internet buzz hit a peak on 27th January 2020. This date marks a significant moment as it was a day after we tragically lost the NBA superstar and his daughter, Gigi, in a helicopter crash. But precisely like a Kobe three-pointer from downtown, the fan's love for him rebounded stronger than ever.

A Day to Remember the Black Mamba

The day serves not just to remember Kobe, the athlete, but also Kobe, the humanitarian, the mentor, the father and the man who declared 'winning takes precedence over all. There's no grey area. No almosts.' So before you go posting your nostalgic throwback moments of Kobe's legendary 'fade-away' jumpers, let's pause and remember the man behind the number 24 on National Kobe Day.

History behind the term 'Kobe'

1980

Kobe is Born

In August 23, 1980, Kobe Bryant, the legendary American professional basketball player, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The son of former NBA player Joe Bryant, Kobe would grow up to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time and leave an indelible mark on the sport.

1996

Kobe Joins the NBA

In the year 1996, at the age of 17, Kobe Bryant was selected by the Charlotte Hornets as the 13th overall pick in the NBA draft. However, he was immediately traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he would spend the entirety of his 20-year professional career. This trade would prove to be a pivotal moment in both Kobe's life and the history of the Lakers franchise.

1997

The Mamba Mentality is Born

In his first year with the Lakers, Kobe Bryant leaned on fellow teammate and mentor, Shaquille O'Neal, who gave him the nickname 'Black Mamba.' Inspired by the agility and deadly precision of the black mamba snake, Kobe embraced the nickname and developed a mindset that would become synonymous with his career: the Mamba Mentality. The Mamba Mentality embodied Kobe's relentless pursuit of excellence, his unwavering self-belief, and the desire to be the best.

2001

Three-Peat

In the year 2001, Kobe Bryant, alongside Shaquille O'Neal, led the Los Angeles Lakers to their second consecutive NBA championship. The following year, in 2002, they secured a three-peat by winning their third consecutive title. This historic achievement solidified Kobe's place among the basketball elite and further cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players of his generation.

2006

81-Point Game

On January 22, 2006, Kobe Bryant delivered one of the most remarkable individual performances in NBA history. Playing against the Toronto Raptors, Kobe scored a staggering 81 points in a single game, the second-highest point total in NBA history. This iconic performance showcased Kobe's scoring prowess and cemented his status as one of the most dominant offensive forces the game has ever seen.

2008

Redeeming Gold

In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Kobe Bryant played a crucial role in the United States Men's Basketball team, known as the 'Redeem Team,' winning the gold medal. After a disappointing bronze medal finish in the previous Olympics, Kobe's leadership, skill, and clutch performances helped restore America's dominance in basketball and bring home the gold medal.

2016

Final Farewell

On April 13, 2016, Kobe Bryant played his final NBA game. In a memorable performance, he scored 60 points, showcasing his enduring talent and the indomitable spirit that defined his career. This emotional farewell marked the end of an era and the start of Kobe's post-basketball endeavors as a successful entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist.

Did you know?

Fun fact, the day is named National Kobe Day and was scheduled on 8/24, which pays homage to the two jersey numbers, 8 and 24, he wore during his illustrious career at the Los Angeles Lakers.