SUMMARY
- The Lakers honored Kobe Bryant by unveiling a new statue outside the Crypto.com Arena.
- The Lakers team also wore the Kobe Bryant inspired Black Mamba Jerseys on the same day.
The death of Kobe Bryant was something that shook up the entire world back in 2020. It was quite unfortunate as eight other lives were taken along with his in a fatal helicopter crash. His 13-year-old daughter, Gianna Bryant was also one of the passengers on board as well. These individuals were people who inspired everybody around them to pursue their goals no matter what. The father-daughter duo were directly responsible for changing lives on a large scale.
Even though they are no longer with us, their legacy is being carried forward by organizations they were associated with and people who they worked with over the years. The Los Angeles Lakers also unveiled a Kobe Bryant statue outside of the Crypto.com Arena. This statue is the seventh installment of the greatest NBA players of LA which also includes Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and many more. It was revealed on February 8, 2024 (02.08.24) which are numbers that Kobe and Gianna wore on the floor.
The Kobe Bryant Black Mamba Jersey is available to purchase online
On the same day that the Lakers unveiled the statue in honor of the late NBA legend, the team decided to bring back the Black Mamba City Edition jerseys to pay homage to him. They wore the jersey during a game against the Denver Nuggets. The Lakers gave it their all against the Nuggets with Anthony Davis leading pack. He finished with 32 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists during the game.
The Lakers are giving EVERY FAN who attends tonight’s game a free Black Mamba jersey.
Insane. (via @aroncohen24) pic.twitter.com/pBC3zpWWe3
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 9, 2024
LeBron James, who had a good relationship with Kobe Bryant finished with 25 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists of his own. Although the Lakers weren’t able to snag a victory, they certainly poured their hearts out on the floor. These jerseys are available to purchase on the NBA Store. Each jersey costs around $119.99 on the NBA’s official site. However, prices may differ on third-party websites. The jersey has a unique snakeskin pattern on it and comes in all-black with gold trims.
The meaning behind the Kobe Bryant Black Mamba Jersey
In 2020, the Lakers were making an impressive title run against the Miami Heat. They decided to wear the Kobe Bryant Black Mamba edition jerseys to honor him during a series-clinching Game 5 appearance. This was the Lakers’ first title run since Bryant’s stint and his death. Kobe designed the jerseys in 2017 as the first addition to the team’s City Edition collection.
To the Bryant Family: “We’re with you guys. We love you guys.” pic.twitter.com/JtZ2p6AtqI
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 3, 2020
“It’s always special to be able to represent someone who meant so much, not only to the game but obviously to the Lakers organization for 20-plus years. For us to honor him being on the floor, this is what it’s all about,” James said while repping the Black Mamba jersey. During the 2020 NBA Playoffs, the Lakers went undefeated while wearing the Black Mamba jerseys on the floor. They ended up winning the NBA title that season as well.