An everlasting smile on the face, a memory that never truly left. The sports world lost Kobe Bryant in vain, but he remains the brightest star it ever knew. Would Kobe be happy seeing Luka in LA? Would he spew out his frustration after the Lakers’ disastrous playoff run this season? Those retired jersey numbers 8 and 24 that hang in the rafters of Staples have a few questions. Amidst the bittersweet reminiscence, ESPN’s Malika Andrews made a tough call.

The 30-year-old presenter left her usual studio and sat for a candid conversation with Sling. Now, in the playful mood of the moment, someone asked Malika to rank the Top Five NBA nicknames. And as you have guessed, Kobe’s one was also on the list. Andrews’s rankings were: White Chocolate (Jason Williams), Black Mamba (Kobe Bryant), The Answer (Allen Iverson), Air Jordan (Michael Jordan), and The Dream (Hakeem Olajuwon).

Instantly, she regretted putting MJ’s name fourth, but later realized that Black Mamba should’ve been No.1 as she had first placed it. Thus, taking to her IG Story, Malika Andrews shared the reel and added the caption: “I should’ve stuck with Black Mamba at 1 🤦🏽‍♀️😂.” 

As the saying goes, “Don’t cry over spilled milk.” Malika now has to accept that they placed Kobe at No. 2. Now, amidst that laughter, that the ESPN superstar so proudly wears, does she hide some worries? You’re surely wondering why she would do that.

Well, for someone whose contract is coming to an end, concerns are natural. Our NBA stars go feral looking for their next landing spot or an extension with their franchise. Naturally so, Malika Andrews might also be in that phase. So, the NBA’s $76 billion media deal isn’t just affecting things on the court, but off the same too.

Malika Andrews Stands at the Brink of an Expiring Contract

Free agency is knocking on the door for ESPN’s top NBA voice, Malika Andrews. The 30-year-old journalist is nearing the end of her contract this fall, sources say. ESPN wants to hold on to her, no doubt. However, the competition just got real with Amazon Prime Video and NBC Sports entering the picture next season. With names like Taylor Rooks already announced by Prime, things might get tricky for Andrews.

Meanwhile, Vince Carter might be back in play. The former ESPN analyst and 22-year NBA legend is reportedly drawing interest from Prime and NBC, according to sources. Carter spent three years with ESPN before being let go during the network’s 2023 talent shake-up that also saw names like Jeff Van Gundy and Jalen Rose exit. Now, with networks reshaping their NBA coverage, Carter’s return to the spotlight could be on the cards.

At the same time, the talent chase is far from over. Both Prime and NBC have made bold moves already, but they are not done yet. There are still plenty of NBA media personalities in the mix before next season tips off. And then there’s the wildcard—players like LeBron James, Chris Paul, and Draymond Green. If they hang it up this summer or next summer, the bidding war for their microphones might just eclipse anything we have seen on the court.

Thus, the spotlight is shifting, and so is the game. As Malika Andrews stands at a career crossroads, the media world braces for a shuffle of stars. Meanwhile, Kobe Bryant‘s legacy lingers, louder than ever, as new faces and voices rise. With free agency heating up on and off the court, the next chapter promises drama, nostalgia, and maybe a surprise or two. After all, in this league, nothing stays still for long.