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“Lakers Need Shooters Like Lucas”- Fans Are Elated About Stranger Things’ Tribute to Kobe Bryant

Published 05/31/2022, 4:02 AM EDT

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Season 4 of Stranger Things has already become a big hit amongst its audience. It has been praised by both critics and the general public. This season of the show has also kept basketball lovers in mind. One of the main characters, Lucas Sinclair, played by actor Caleb McLaughlin, paid tribute to the late great Kobe Bryant. The character was sporting a no.8 jersey, while playing for his school. It was a nod to Bryant’s first jersey number in the NBA.

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According to Netflix, wearing a No.8 jersey was an idea the actor presented to the makers of the show. The latter is apparently a huge fan of the “Black Mamba” and hence paid a tribute to the basketball legend through his character’s jersey.

Stranger Things already pays tribute to media surrounding 80’s America. Hence, it won’t be out of place to give homage to Bryant, even though he wasn’t playing during that time.

The teen science fiction show focuses on a group of teenagers who investigate the mysteries behind their hometown, Hawkins. They are also joined by the mysterious Eleven, who has powers. Together, they look into the secrets while battling adolescence and teenage problems.

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Fans are generally happy with this tribute. Kobe is generally loved nowadays and hence, this tribute wouldn’t have angered too many people. These are some of the fan reactions:

 

Kobe Bryant: A beloved superstar

Kobe Bryant’s death created shockwaves among the general public. He passed away in a helicopter crash, along with his daughter Gigi and nine other people on the 26th of January, 2020.

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Kobe was not as loved during his playing career. He was playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, after all. Kobe was a mirror reflection of Michael Jordan, whether it was his playing style or his attitude when it comes to the game. The latter was reflected in his criticisms of another great player and former teammate, Shaquille O’Neal. During that time, Shaq was the more beloved player hence to fans, it came off as petty. But as time went on, people saw the value of Kobe’s words.

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This drive and determination to do well reflected on his trophy cabinet. Winning five rings during a more competitive era while being the main man in two of them, shows how successful he was.

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It is no wonder that now he is treated as basketball royalty. He is beloved by his fans and the media because of his achievements and the good work he has done across the world as an ambassador of basketball.

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Written by:

Aditya Kar

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Aditya Kar is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports. A holder of Bachelors and Masters degrees in History, he has been a fan of the NBA since 2011. He has a very keen interest in the stories that define the league and the sport.
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Edited by:

Veer Badani