By Jennifer Salerno
August 24 will go down in the history books as National Kobe Bryant Day! The date is in honor of the two NBA jerseys Bryant wore during his 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers: Number 8 and Number 24. Brant is the only player in Laker history to have both numbers retired and hanging in the rafters. On Sunday, Bryant’s wife, Vanessa, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, on what would have been his 42nd birthday. She wrote, “Happy birthday. I love you and miss you more than I can ever explain. I wish you and Gigi were here to celebrate YOU! I wish I could make your fav food or a birthday cake with my Gigi. I miss your big hugs, your kisses, your smile.” Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, and seven other individuals were killed in a helicopter accident back in January.