The NBA community is filled with excitement and anticipation for the new season and the spotlight is not just on the players but on other things as well. Fans and enthusiasts both have expressed their opinions in response to the recent alleged leak of the LA Lakers’ 2023–24 City Edition jersey.
A post by @Skunwong32, a reliable source for NBA uniforms leaks reveals the potential design for the Lakers’ new kit. The leaked jersey is black in color and has purple-black-purple striping around the collar and each arm.
The chest shows a yellow wordmark, positioning “LOS ANGELES” in a pyramid formation with the word “N” acting as the peak. This design is similar to a shirt worn by the Lakers’ staff back in the 1960s and was reintroduced in the NBA’s 75th anniversary season in 2021-22.
On social media platform X, the early reactions from fans to these leaked Jersey are mixed. One fan said, “Bring Back the Mamba Jerseys,” highlights a strong emotion of love and respect for the “Black Mamba” jerseys which were inspired by the legendary Kobe Bryant.
They need to bring back the mamba jerseys
— Danny2K (@Danny2KYT) October 21, 2023
Another fan who looked unimpressed by Nike’s Design wrote “Nike going 0/30 this year.” One fan complained stating, “They keep getting worse and worse, Lets not wear any city editions this year.”
They keep getting worse and worse 😭😭😭
Lets not wear any city editions this year
— Cam Yocz ☘️ (@camyoppenheimer) October 21, 2023
The official release date for the new jerseys remains unknown. But history suggests that the LA Lakers will introduce the City Edition uniforms about a week before the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday.
Revisiting Kobe Bryant’s ‘Black Mamba’ City Edition Jerseys
The “Black Mamba” City Edition jerseys were first worn by the Lakers in January 2018 and quickly became a fan favorite. This iconic Jersey was designed by the late Kobe Bryant in collaboration with Nike and was part of the “Laker Lore Series.” This series also includes jerseys inspired by NBA legends Magic Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal.
Lakers take their first loss in the Black Mamba jerseys (4-1) pic.twitter.com/qVkYX0TZdH
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 10, 2020
The “Black Mamba” design stands out with its snake-skin print. Another notable feature in these jerseys is the drop shadows on the numbers which is similar to Bryant’s 1996-97 rookie season jerseys. Also, there is a collection of 16 stars on the uniform which represents the Lakers’ 16 titles. However for now, they have to change it to 17.
After the tragic helicopter crash that took the lives of Bryant and his daughter Gianna, the jerseys now hold more emotional value. A heart-shaped patch with the number “2” was added near the right shoulder, honoring Gianna’s early basketball goals. As the Lakers evolve their brand and jerseys, the undying respect and memories of Kobe Bryant stay alive in the hearts of fans worldwide.