The late Kobe Bryant was a legendary basketball player and one of the most loved NBA players of all time. He was adored for his philanthropic work and his Mamba Mentality that inspired millions across the world. His untimely demise in 2020 left a big hole in the hearts of Kobe fans worldwide, as they mourned the great Lakers legend’s passing.

Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and six other people died on January 26, 2020, in a tragic helicopter crash. But the world still remembers and pays tribute to Kobe Bryant and his legacy in different ways. A recent Kevin Garnett tribute touched the hearts of many people who miss the late Lakers legend.

Kevin Garnett’s Heartfelt Tribute to Kobe

Kevin Garnett and Kobe Bryant shared a special connection. They were close friends off-court and fierce NBA rivals on-court. The two faced off against each other in the 2008 and 2010 NBA Finals. The two always got the best out of their on-court rivalry as Kevin Garnett won the NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008 and Kobe won it in 2010 with the Lakers. While appearing on “The Stephen A. Smith Show” recently, Kevin Garnett spoke about the late Lakers legend and said that if he ever fathered a son, he would name him after Kobe Bryant.

Kevin Garnett said, “We celebrate him like he’s still alive, and I love that. If I have a son someday, I don’t know when and where, but I’mma dedicate a son to Kobe, man.”

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Both KG and Kobe had entered the NBA directly from high school and so, always had a kind of empathy for each other despite being fierce rivals. Kevin Garnett’s heartfelt tribute touched the hearts of many basketball and Kobe fans internationally. After the tragic passing of the late Lakers legend, many parents started naming their newborn children after the five-time NBA champion.

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‘Kobe’ Tops List of Sports-Inspired Baby Names

Despite Kobe Bryant’s untimely passing, his memory and legacy continue to live on in thousands of youngsters growing up who bear his name. According to a report from the sports betting site “BetSperts”, the five-time NBA champion tops the list of sports-inspired baby names from 2020 to 2021. According to the report, 17,071 newborns were named Kobe during that time frame, which is a 201% spike after the Laker legend’s tragic death in January 2020.

Kobe’s tragic passing led to an out-pour of tributes and community support in the form of music, art, charitable donations, and now, baby names. His life’s journey inspired and continues to inspire people from all walks of life to work hard and contribute positively to the world.

What are your thoughts on Kevin Garnett’s heartfelt tribute to the late Kobe Bryant? Let us know in the comments below!

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