Babies born on Kobe Bryant’s birthday score special purple and gold package

These adorable babies receive the ultimate surprise on Kobe Bryant’s birthday | Photos from Twitter/Kobe Highlights & Motivation;Los Angeles Lakers

While the basketball world is abuzz with the ongoing FIBA World Cup, the noise continues to resound as the world also celebrated what would have been Kobe Bryant’s 45th birthday last Aug. 23. And some lucky babies born on the same week got a delightful surprise.

As fans across the globe honored him on Tuesday after his tragic death in a helicopter crash with daughter Gianna, UCLA Health continued its Kobe Bryant birthday tradition for babies who share the same birthday (and birthday week) as The Black Mamba.

On Tuesday, UCLA Mattel’s Children’s Hospital dressed up these newborns in adorable Los Angeles Lakers gear as a reminder of the NBA star’s dedication and commitment to reaching out to others, all courtesy of the LA Lakers organization.

The Lakers themselves shared cute snaps of the tiny tots donning Lakers apparel, with the caption “Purple & Gold family from day one.”

Purple & Gold family from day one.

In honor of Kobe’s birthday, babies born this week are receiving special care packages thanks to @UCLAHealth 💜 pic.twitter.com/XVzbWA2GCM

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 24, 2023

NBA stars and Vanessa Bryant pay tribute

Iconic NBA star LeBron James took to Instagram to remember his good friend via a simple post captioned with a snake emoji representing Bryant’s “Black Mamba” nickname and an infinity emoji.

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Fil-Am Utah Jazz player Jordan Clarkson, another player who shared a personal connection with Bryant, affectionately referred to him as “My GOAT” in a video by FIBA on Thursday. He also proudly sports a Kobe Bryant tattoo on his thigh.

In the middle of the birthday buzz, Vanessa Bryant also shared a cherished old photo captioned with a heartwarming message.

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Whether you’re a die-hard Lakers fan or a basketball aficionado, Bryant will always be a legend, and his birthday will always be celebrated in true purple and gold style.