Purple and gold swarms LA City Hall on 'Kobe Bryant Day'

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Los Angeles City Council Chamber was lined with Los Angeles Lakers purple and gold as loyal fans were on hand for the official declaration of Kobe Bryant Day.

With his wife and children by his side, Bryant thanked the city and his fans.

"I've been extremely fortunate to be here," Bryant said. "To say that today is surreal would be a massive understatement, to be standing here in front of you all in this incredible and wonderful city."

As Bryant was presented a framed proclamation by Mayor Eric Garcetti and council President Herb Wesson, cheers and chants of "Kobe" echoed through the chambers.

Bryant, sporting a beard, spoke about the importance of his family and joked that his soon to be born daughter would have no idea he was once "OK" at basketball.

"I'm going to need your help explaining to your little sister why I have a day named after me. She's going to have no idea I was actually OK at playing basketball," Bryant said to his daughters Gianna and Natalia while referencing the third daughter he has on the way with his pregnant wife Vanessa.

MORE: Kobe Bryant and wife expecting third baby girl, Lakers legend announces

Bryant, who played 20 seasons with the Lakers, won five NBA championships and countless awards for Los Angeles while breaking several NBA and franchise records.

"We only play for one thing here in this city, and that's championships," Bryant stated as the crowd roared.

The future hall of famer, who also goes by the nickname Black Mamba, retired in April, but not before dropping 60 points in his final game, a 101-96 victory in front of the home crowd at the Staples Center.

MORE: Kobe Bryant finishes final game with a storybook ending

Aug. 24 was chosen for Kobe Bryant Day because 8-24 marked both the numbers he wore for the Lakers.

Bryant wore number 8 his first 10 seasons, and 24 his last 10 seasons.