AceShowbiz - Vanessa Bryant shared a touching tribute to Kobe Bryant on what would have been her husband's 46th birthday. On Friday, August 23, Vanessa, 42, wished the late basketball star a happy birthday with a sweet Instagram photo of her kissing him on the cheek. "Happy birthday @kobebryant. I love you for now, forever & for always" the caption read.

In honor of Kobe's legacy, Nike organized the Mamba League Invitational in Los Angeles, a two-day tournament bringing together the best high school basketball players in the city. Vanessa also released an exclusive Mamba and Mambacita Sports drop called the L.A. Royal collection to honor Kobe and their late daughter, Gianna Bryant. "Throughout Kobe’s entire career, he gave his heart to the city of Los Angeles while wearing purple and gold, and these colors represent his deep love for the game, the Lakers and the city of Los Angeles," Vanessa wrote in her Instagram post announcing the collection. All proceeds from the collection will go towards the Mambacita Sports organization.

Kobe Bryant's legacy is immortalized not just through sports but through various citywide initiatives. His "Mamba Mentality" continues to guide people through challenging times, and his birthday, August 23, is marked by multiple celebrations.

On Kobe Bryant Day (8/24), named after his jersey numbers, Southern California celebrates his life with several activities. A unique tribute is found in the hundreds of murals dedicated to Kobe and Gigi throughout Southern California. Another special event includes the LA Dodgers' giveaway of "Mamba" jerseys on Sunday, Aug. 25, featuring a snake-skin print with gold trim. The Dodgers, one of many LA sports teams commemorating Kobe, are acknowledging the impact Kobe had on the city and its fans.

For those visiting Los Angeles, the statues of Kobe outside the Crypto.com Arena are a must-see. The first statue, unveiled on Feb. 8, 2024, honors Kobe and Gigi's jersey numbers. A second statue, unveiled on Aug. 2, 2024, also includes Gigi standing beside Kobe.

Kobe's advocacy for women's sports lives on as well. The proud father of four daughters, Kobe was a strong supporter of the WNBA and women's sports in general. Fans are encouraged to support the LA Sparks, who continue to embody Kobe's vision for the future of women’s sports.

Lastly, the Annual Mamba League Invitational offers a glimpse into the future of basketball. Held on Kobe's birthday weekend, this event showcases the next generation of NBA and WNBA stars and allows fans to celebrate Mamba Day by supporting young athletes striving to uphold Kobe's legacy.