Kobe Bryant is the official cover star of NBA 2K24

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.