Kobe Bryant became an all-time great by stepping up for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Playoffs. Nearly seven months after he and eight others, including daughter Gianna Bryant, died in a helicopter crash, the Lakers plan to honor him in Game 4 on Monday night.
A day after Nike unveiled a touching tribute to Kobe, on what would have been his 42nd birthday, the Lakers revealed their special way to honor his legacy on 8/24.
When LeBron James and Co. take the court in Game 4 against the Portland Trail Blazers, they will wear a special “Black Mamba,” City Edition jerseys. The special design will also feature a patch paying homage to Gigi Bryant, who was also on the rise as a basketball star before losing her life in the crash.
It’s a fitting tribute to honor Kobe, who meant so much to the Lakers. From the moment he joined the Lakers in 1996 to his final game, an unforgettable 60-point night to end an iconic career.
Of course, Kobe routinely saved his best moments for the NBA Playoffs. A five-time NBA champion and two-time NBA Finals MVP, Bryant delivered his best performances on the biggest stage.
He played in 220 playoff games during his career. During that stretch, he averaged 25.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. He could always be counted on in the clutch and proved it quite often, averaging 30-plus points in the playoffs in five separate years.
While it’s unfortunate this game will take place in a quarantined arena rather than a packed Staples Center, we expect the Lakers to honor Kobe’s legacy with a great performance.