Today is the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant’s 42nd birthday. Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Allen Iverson are among the many fellow NBA players and entertainers who have taken the time to remember the Black Mamba on his special day.
Shaq, who played alongside Bryant while on The Los Angeles Lakers in the late 90s, posted a compilation video featuring some of the moments they shared between each other on the basketball court. Though they had their moments, Shaq and Kobe shared an unbreakable bond that went beyond the sport of basketball.
“Happy birthday Kobe,” Shaq wrote. “They couldn’t stop the REIGN.”
LeBron James, who currently plays for The Lakers, paid tribute to Kobe with a throwback clip from their Team USA days. In the clip, James is seen grabbing a slice of cake off a table. He then loudly proclaims to a room full of people that they’re about to sing “Happy Birthday” to iconic shooting guard.
“Alright, like I said, today is Kobe Bryant’s 30th birthday and we’re about to sing him ‘Happy Birthday,’ James is heard saying as he directs the crowd to sing on three.
Bryant lost his life on Jan. 26 in the helicopter crash in Calabasas, California along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and seven others.
Vanessa Bryant also celebrated her late husband’s birthday today with a heartbreaking post.
“Natalia, Gianna, Bianka, Capri and I wish you a happy birthday my love,” Vanessa captioned her post. “I love you for now, forever and for always.”
Natalia, 17, also made a separate post of her own in his memory.
“Happy Birthday Dad I miss your smile, laugh and big bear hugs,” she captioned. “Happy Birthday to the best movie buddy I could have ever asked for.”
Check out more NBA players and entertainers paying tribute to Kobe Bryant for his 42nd birthday below.