Athletes, celebrities honor Kobe Bryant on what would've been his 43rd birthday

(Kobe Bryant )

Monday marks what would have been NBA legend Kobe Bryant’s 43rd birthday.  

Among many things, he was a #GirlDad, husband, coach, creator, and Academy Award winner. Earlier this year, he became a Hall of Famer.

RELATED: Kobe Bryant honored by wife Vanessa, Michael Jordan in Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony

Before he passed away, he was building his media empire as the founder of Granity Studios, which will release its latest novel "Legacy and the Double" Tuesday, which marks Kobe Bryant Day. 

He would have proudly watched his daughter Natalia as she began her journey as a college student at the University of Southern California and Gianna would have just started her sophomore year in high school. Bianka starts the new school year as a preschooler while 2-year-old Capri continues to observe the world around her as a toddler. 

Those who knew and loved him continue to keep his legacy alive and shared heartwarming posts with sentimental pictures on social media to celebrate his special day. 

Natalia Bryant

Pau Gasol

Robert Horry

Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Dodgers

Los Angeles Sparks

WNBA

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Chicago Bulls

Kendrick Perkins

Naomi Osaka 

Vin Scully

Russell Wilson

Ciara

Stephen A. Smith

Carmelo Anthony

Isaiah Thomas

Caron Butler

Mindy Kaling

Kobe Bryant's legacy will continue to live on through his friends and family, the Lakers organization, his fans, and generations of athletes. 

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