California Lawmaker Wants to Dedicate Aug. 24 as ‘Kobe Bryant Day’

Sports

By ShaCamree Gowdy Published: July 29, 2021

California Lawmaker Wants to Dedicate Aug. 24 as ‘Kobe Bryant Day’

FILE - In this June 7, 2009, file photo, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) points to a player behind him after making a basket in the closing seconds against the Orlando Magic in Game 2 of the NBA basketball finals, in Los Angeles. Bryant, the 18-time NBA All-Star who won five championships and became one of the greatest basketball players of his generation during a 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, died in a helicopter crash Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

By: ShaCamree Gowdy

Kobe Bryant Day is upon us, America.

California Republican representative Michelle Steel has introduced a resolution to name Aug. 24 after the late Los Angeles Laker Hall of Famer, per The Hill’s Judy Kurtz.

The only NBA player to have two numbers retired by the same team, Steel chose the date as a reference to Bryant’s two jersey numbers: 8 and 24.

Fans would be encouraged to spend the day giving back to their communities in honor of the late sport hero’s legacy.

“Kobe Bryant used his platform to inspire millions and help kids around the world achieve success and strive for greatness,” Steel said in a statement, per Kurtz. “On Aug. 24 we should remember Kobe, celebrate his life and encourage the next generation to dream big just like Kobe did.”

Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven other people, including the pilot, died in a helicopter crash near Los Angeles in January 2020.

When asked what she would say to fellow Congress members or others who might raise questions about Bryant’s 2003 rape allegations, Steel’s office said, “The positive contributions to our community and to our world by Kobe Bryant deserve to be honored and celebrated.”