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“Make Kobe Proud”: NBA Fans Are Ecstatic After Nike Signs Chicago All-Star to Continue Kobe Bryant’s Legacy

Published 08/01/2022, 8:30 PM EDT

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Last season, major surprises hit the NBA. Some players had breakout sessions that truly showed their gifts. DeMar DeRozan was probably the best out of them all. The Bulls star had arguably his best season and solidified himself as a master scorer. Looking up to his idol, Kobe Bryant, DeRozan has kept his competing mentality alive. Thus, Nike found the perfect face to continue his Lakers legends’ shoe line.

If there is one thing the world knows about DeRozan, that would be his love for the Kobes. Since growing up on Crompton, DeMar has worn Bryant’s shoes. After an emphatic college career, he really took his shoe game to another level in the NBA. DeRozan kept adding to his collection of Kobes. Even during the 2021-22 season, the Bulls All-Star made headways donning some iconic Kobe shoes. And Nike believes he is the perfect successor for the Mamba.

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According to Shams Charania, the sports giants are offering DeMar a much-deserved contract for four years.

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DeMar continues the Kobe Bryant legacy

After initially being an Adidas boy, the All-NBA forward joined Nike in 2003. Since then, he has been the carrier of his childhood idol’s line. Even after Kobe retired in 2016, DeMar became the bearer. He is known to wear the rarest of Kobe shoes. Likewise, there was no perfect player to continue the line. Recently, Charania gave fans delightful news about Nike signing the Bulls All-Star to a new 4-year deal.

After Nike and the Mamba’s estate reached an agreement in March, DeRozan was the happiest. His favorite shoe was back in circulation, and now the star has nothing to worry about. Moreover, he is doing justice to the shoes he laces up every night.

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The Chicago Bulls forward had an impeccable season, averaging 27.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. Fighting through the early criticism, DeRozan changed the entire narrative. The Compton native also made the All-NBA second team. However, it is his incredibly resilient competitive spirit that makes him the perfect guy. Even after all the stardom, DeRozan does a lot for the community, especially speaking about mental health. And he is obsessed with the game, just like Kobe Bryant was.

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It’s also great news for the fans as Nike is set for a year full of Kobe releases. As for DeRozan, his kicks are going to be one to watch out for during the 2022-23 season. Do you think the perennial All-Star will lead Chicago to a title in the coming season? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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Written by:

Anuj Talwalkar

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Anuj Talwalkar is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He is a student studying at NM College in Mumbai, aspiring to pursue sports management to follow his love for sports. Anuj started following the NBA last year, and he loves to combine his passion for writing with his understanding of basketball.
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