Nike decided to reintroduce the well-liked Bryant-branded shoe line, releasing the Kobe 8 Protro Halos via its SNKRS app and in select retail locations. The Halo idea and triple-white hue were conceived by Vanessa Bryant, and new shoes in the series will be released each year on Kobe’s birthday, according to a Nike news release.
When Vanessa told ESPN at the time that it had become too difficult for regular fans, rather than collectors, to buy her husband’s memorabilia, Bryant’s estate first allowed his deal with Nike to expire in 2021. She declared that the collaboration with Nike would resume in March 2022.
Bryant forewarned fans that this year’s Halos, the first pair of Kobe shoes to be launched since then, will sell out nearly instantly on SNKRS.
“Nike wanted this debut Halo Collection to be limited and collectible,” she wrote on Instagram, “but the good news is Nike is working towards more units for future Kobe releases!”
The Lakers said on Thursday that a Bryant statue will be unveiled on February 8, 2024, in front of Crypto.com Arena.
The significance of the date is underscored by the fact that it features both of Kobe’s jersey numbers and the No. 2 jersey that Gianna Bryant wore when she competed for Kobe’s Mamba Academy.
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.
Bryant will be on the cover of the upcoming “NBA 2K24,” which video game manufacturer 2K previously announced. The business also unveiled a trailer and information on the Mamba Moments mode, which will let players reenact famous moments from Kobe’s career.
According to a sweet Lakers tweet featuring children dressed in team attire and sporting Bryant’s numbers, UCLA Health is maintaining its yearly practice of giving Kobe care packages to babies born this week.
Steve Kerr, the head coach of the Golden State Warriors and Team USA, was questioned about Mamba Day on Wednesday at a press conference prior to the FIBA World Cup.
Kerr reminisced on Bryant after mentioning that his mother’s birthday is on August 24 and wishing her a happy birthday.
During my playing career and then as a coach, I had the pleasure of competing against him, stated Kerr. “It was truly amazing to have the good fortune to play in the NBA at the same time as one of the all-time greats, watch him play, and compete against him. Even now, we all reflect on Kobe and all that he meant to the league and to each of us individually.
The Dodgers will honor the Black Mamba when they return from their week-long trip. In conjunction with a special ticket purchase for its Sept. 1 game against the Atlanta Braves, the team will be giving away unique Dodgers jerseys honoring Bryant, with No. 8 on the front and No. 24 on the back.