Kobe Day

For supporters of the late Lakers great Kobe Bryant, two days in late August had particular meaning.

On August 23, Bryant will be 18. Because the date (8/24) corresponds to the No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys the Hall of Famer wore throughout his 20-year NBA career, the following day is known as Kobe Bryant Day in the cities of Los Angeles and Orange County.

The adored athlete and his daughter Gianna were among the nine persons killed in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, in Calabasas.

On Thursday night, Pacific Park's Ferris wheel will once again be used to celebrate Kobe. The purple and gold light spectacle on the trip will feature both of Bryant's jersey numbers. The light display will run from about 7:30 to midnight. The public will have to watch the memorial from a distance or online, as the park will close at 5 for a private function.

The Dodgers will honor the Black Mamba when they return from their week-long trip. As part of a special ticket purchase for its September 1 game, the team will be giving out unique Dodgers jerseys commemorating Bryant, with No. 8 on the front and No. 24 on the back.