Leave it up to Kobe Bryant to rise from the grave and one up his mentor and brother-figure, Michael Jordan. The late NBA superstar, who played for the Los Angeles Lakers for his entire career, is now officially the cover star of the latest NBA 2K installment, NBA 2K24.
Embodying the legendary Lakers shooting guard’s iconic jersey number, 24, NBA 2K24 will pay tribute to the second half and arguably, the most important stage, of the Bean’s storied career.
Kobe Bryant wore two numbers throughout his career. For the first half, Bryant wore the No. 8 from the 1996-1997 season until the 2005-2006 season. This was the stage of his career when Bryant was still the “fiery” upstart, hungry and eager to prove himself as he played Robin to Shaquille O’Neal’s Batman as the two guided Hollywood’s most illustrious sports team to four straight NBA Finals appearances together, winning three championship rings in a row – a feat that has never been done since.
8️⃣ ♾️2️⃣4️⃣
Sharing the Mamba Mentality with the next generation. Introducing our #NBA2K24 cover athlete, Kobe Bryant.
💛 Kobe Bryant Edition
🐍 Black Mamba EditionPre-order your copy tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/afcqMh5qr8
— NBA 2K (@NBA2K) July 6, 2023
Bryant’s journey in the NBA, spanning two decades, was an uninterrupted love affair with the Los Angeles Lakers. His career adorned with five NBA championships, 15 All-NBA Team selections, 12 All-Defensive Team titles, two NBA Finals MVPs, and the coveted Most Valuable Player title in 2008, carved a legacy that is remembered and revered by fans and players alike.
Not a newcomer to the 2K franchise, Bryant has graced the cover of 2K10, 2K17, and 2K21, with each edition marking much bigger and more significant milestones in his journey. His appearance on NBA 2K24’s cover reaffirms his lasting impact on the game and continues the tradition of mirroring the game’s edition number with a legend’s jersey number.
Bryant’s legacy extends beyond his on-court achievements, with his nickname “Black Mamba” being an integral part of his persona. It became a moniker born in the later years of his career when he came to his own and led the Los Angeles Lakers to four straight NBA Finals appearances and back-to-back championships. The upcoming NBA 2K24 honors this persona, offering the Black Mamba Edition alongside the Kobe Bryant Edition.
Details regarding the exact content of these special editions remain shrouded in mystery, but the anticipation surrounding the launch is undeniable. NBA 2K24 will launch in two versions – one for the latest generation consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X | S, and another for previous generation consoles, including PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and the Nintendo Switch. This dual availability ensures gamers from all walks can experience this tribute to Bryant.
Beyond the nostalgia and admiration that Bryant’s cover presence brings, fans eagerly await the standard edition cover star reveal. Traditionally featuring a current NBA player, the guessing game is as much a part of the 2K24 hype as the anticipation of the gameplay itself.
Given that a younger NBA superstar usually gets the honor, we’re hoping it’s one of the players that Kobe Bryant mentored during the twilight stages of his career. The Boston Celtics forward, Jayson Tatum, immediately comes to mind. But, the Atlanta Hawks point guard, Trae Young, wouldn’t be a bad idea either.
Bryant’s sudden demise in a tragic helicopter crash three years ago, alongside his daughter Gianna and seven other passengers, sent shockwaves around the globe. Yet, his basketball legacy lives on, amplified through these special editions that immortalize him and his impact on the game. His Lakers’ No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys, both retired in his honor, remain a testament to his influence and the mark he left on the franchise and basketball as a whole.
This year, NBA 2K24, in the most poignant way, is marking an ode to Bryant’s glory days with the Afro Kobe in the standard Kobe Bryant Edition and the older, iconic hairless version in the Black Mamba Edition. This is a tribute to a man who not only dominated on the court but also made his mark off it, including winning an Academy Award in 2018 for his animated short film Dear Basketball.
New NBA 2K games are traditionally released in September but with Kobe Day celebrated every August 24, 2K Games may move up the game’s timeline to also coincide with the re-launch of the Kobe brand over at Nike.
