2020 was the toughest year in recent times. Lots of people lost their loved ones to the deadly COVID-19. And many of them can’t see their friends and families because of the pandemic-induced lockdown. But 2020 was even tougher for the NBA community because of the loss of Kobe Bryant.

The year kicked off with the tragic death of the Black Mamba and his daughter Gianna in a fatal helicopter crash. Fans, players, coaches, and pundits were in mourning. But none more so than Kobe Bryant’s family.

But on the occasion of Christmas, his family is spreading the festive cheer. Natalia Bryant, Kobe’s eldest daughter, posted a story on her Instagram account. The story has a throwback to the late great Laker wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.

Kobe Bryant and his NBA records on Christmas Day

It is only fair that the Mamba, among the pantheon of NBA greats, held several records to his name for games played on Christmas day.

1) Most NBA appearances on Christmas day

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He appeared in a mammoth 16 game, contested on the national holiday. That’s an NBA record. In fact, he played more often on Christmas than on any other date on the calendar. While his 1st game was in 1996, he graced the court on Christmas for the final time in 2015. However, his 6-10 losing record is not something he would have been proud of.

2) All-time leader in points

It is only normal that the scoring titan is also the leader in total points on Christmas. He scored 395 points, ahead of closest active player, LeBron James, for an average of 24.7 points per game.

Most memorable performance on the 25th

The 2008 Christmas day performance against bitter rivals Boston Celtics was perhaps Kobe’s most important. After losing in a closely fought 2008 NBA finals six months prior, Bryant and the Lakers were on a mission to avenge.

The Big 3 of Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce were looking to be on course for a victory. But Kobe stepped up to score 27 points at a 50% efficiency to propel them to a 92-83 victory. This boosted their morale and helped them to the 2009 NBA Title.

The legend of Kobe Bryant is etched not just in record books but in the living memory of fans. He bowed out after giving fans a reason to smile and celebrate.