Lakers Legend Magic Johnson Sends Heartfelt Kobe Bryant Message

Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson made a post for Kobe Bryant's birthday.

Apr 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (facing camera) hugs former Laker player Magic Johnson before a game against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center. Bryant concludes his 20-year NBA career tonight. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports / Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

On Friday, Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant would have celebrated his 46th birthday.

Many people around the NBA sent out messages on social media to remember Bryant.

Via Bleacher Report: "Kobe would've been 46 today.

Mamba forever 💜💛"

Kobe would've been 46 today.

Mamba forever 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/JyjldO5b6s

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 23, 2024

One person who sent out a post was Basketball Hall of Famer (and Lakers legend) Magic Johnson.

His post had over 5,000 likes and 230,000 impressions.

Johnson wrote: "Happy heavenly birthday to the 5x NBA Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist, Oscar and Academy Award Winner, and my friend Kobe Bryant! We all miss you, but your legacy lives on with us forever🙏🏾"

Happy heavenly birthday to the 5x NBA Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist, Oscar and Academy Award Winner, and my friend Kobe Bryant! We all miss you, but your legacy lives on with us forever🙏🏾 https://t.co/TuRDo1isTY

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) August 23, 2024

Bryant and Johnson are two of the best Lakers players ever.

Recently, Johnson spoke about Bryant being in the best player of all time conversation (via NH ExperienceTV, h/t NBACentral).

Johnson: "We know Kobe belongs in that conversation even today. Kareem, Kobe and they all wore the purple and gold. I think about what Kobe meant to the game of basketball worldwide."

Bryant spent his entire 20-year career with the Lakers.

His career averages are 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.4 steals per contest while shooting 44.7% from the field and 32.9% from the three-point range in 1,346 regular season games.

The five-time NBA Champion also appeared in 220 playoff games.

Apr 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) reacts to the crowd as he walks on the court before a game against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center. Bryant concludes his 20-year NBA career tonight. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports / Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

As for Johnson, he spent his entire 13-year career with Los Angeles and also led the franchise to five titles.

He averaged 19.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 11.2 assists and 1.9 steals per contest while shooting 52.0% from the field and 30.3% from the three-point range in 906 games.