For most, Feb. 8, 2024 was just another day. 

For Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade, it was much more. 

Wade used the date to pay tribute to the Kobe Bryant, who was killed in a helicopter accident in January of 2020. The significance was the numbers “8” and “24” were worn by Bryant during his 20-year Hall of Fame career. 

Wade took to X, the social media network formerly known as Twitter, to show his respect for the fallen icon. He posted a photo of himself playing against Bryant when they battled it out for years as opposing All-Stars. 

The caption read: “2.8.24” followed by a snake and goat emoji. The snake was reference to Bryant’s nickname of “Black Mamba” while the goat stated he belonged in the G.O.A.T (Greatest Of All-Time) conversation. 

Wade has often called Bryant one of his biggest influences on the basketball court. The two had plenty memorable moments during their playing careers. In a 2022 interview with Jemele Hill, Wade explained how their friendship strengthened while they were teammates during the 2008 Olympics. 

“We were both playing the same position,” Wade said. “I was 26, he was 30. I was chasing him to get in his eye sights so he can respect me. I’ve always heard about his work ethic. I’ve always heard of this character called the Black Mamba that we all got wind of. I wanted to see what the Black Mamba was really like … and then we all got a chance to experience the work.” 

Shandel Richardson covers the Miami Heat for Inside The Heat, a Fan Nation channel for Sports Illustrated. He has covered the NBA since 2010.