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Kobe Bryant Day: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal among NBA players paying tribute to Lakers legend

Jordan Greer

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Kobe Bryant Day: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal among NBA players paying tribute to Lakers legend image

For many in the NBA community, it can still be difficult to accept the fact that Kobe Bryant is gone more than two years removed from his tragic death. But it's clear that the Lakers legend will never be forgotten.

Back in 2016, Los Angeles declared Aug. 24 as Kobe Bryant Day, celebrating the five-time NBA champion after his retirement by recognizing the two jersey numbers (Nos. 8 and 24) that he wore during his illustrious career. Kobe Bryant Day took on a new meaning in 2020 following his death in a helicopter crash, which claimed the lives of eight others, including Bryant's daughter, Gianna.

Bryant certainly earned his day on the calendar, as he had an incredible Hall of Fame case as either No. 8 or No. 24. Any NBA player would be happy to take one of those eras, let alone his entire 20-season run with the Lakers.

But his impact went well beyond the court. Bryant was the Michael Jordan-like figure for the current generation of NBA stars. He was an Oscar-winning filmmaker. He was an author. He was a husband, father and friend.

Here's how some of the biggest names in NBA history paid tribute to Bryant on his special day.

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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Shaquille O'Neal

Pau Gasol

Kevin Durant

Carmelo Anthony

Chris Bosh

Jordan Greer

Jordan Greer Photo

Jordan Greer has been with The Sporting News since 2015. He previously worked for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He is a graduate of Westminster College and Syracuse University.