Kobe Bryant Day 2016; Los Angeles City Councilmen Declare August 24 as 'Black Mamba' Day
Today is Kobe Bryant Day. Los Angeles City declares Wednesday as the day intended to honor "Black Mamba" who is celebrating his 38th birthday. Apart from his monumental accomplishments in the NBA, Bryant will receive the honors because of philanthropy works with his wife Vanessa.
Kobe Bryant outside the basketball court
Los Angeles City Councilor Jose Huizar said that Kobe Bryant Day is a way of appreciating the future Hall of Famer. Huizar points to 20 years of Kobe being an example to the youth. Bryant is known for excellent work ethics and perseverance to conquer basketball. He is also considered as one of the most accomplished athletes in Los Angeles' history.
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Huizar added that it is not just prowess in the hard court that pushed the city council to honor Bryant. Another reason is being actively involved in charity and aid works. Kobe and his wife Vanessa have formed the Bryant Family Foundation to help the youth. The ethos of the foundation is taking them off the streets into sports. Bryant is also supporting the homeless together with humanitarian partners both domestic and international.
Contribution to the sport
Kobe Bryant is with the Lakers since the beginning of his illustrious career. For 20 years, he campaigned the franchise into five championships in the NBA. The Black Mamba had particular success from 2005 through 2011 where he received multiple awards and recognitions.
The 2008 MVP is the league's leading scorer in 2005 and 2006. Then he won the NBA Finals MVP in two consecutive years in 2009 and 2010.
Kobe in retirement
Kobe has been apparently preparing for his departure from the NBA since 2013. He said during previous interviews that he is in pursuit of next passion after basketball. For the past three years, Bryant and his partner Jeff Stibel have been investing in several enterprises. The most recent is a $100 million funds for data, media and technology ventures.
Bryant said that it is sad that several high-profile athletes retired with millions but ended in bankruptcy. He points inability to change lifestyle as the primary reason for these heartbreaks. Bryant observed that running out of funds can only happen if athletes splurge in the fast lane without the same income when they were active.
