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48 Hours Before March Madness Tip-Off, Caitlin Clark Pays Late Kobe Byrant Tribute With “Mambacita” Kobe 6

Published 03/21/2024, 4:36 PM EDT

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In honour of the late Kobe Bryant, promising college basketball standout Caitlin Clark of Iowa recently selected a unique pair of shoes on the cover of SLAM magazine’s 249th issue. Clark is seen wearing the “Mambacita” Kobe 6 sneakers in the picture, which was shared on Slamkicks, the official Instagram account of SLAM magazine.

In January 2020, a helicopter disaster claimed the lives of Gianna “Gigi” Bryant, Kobe Bryant’s daughter, and seven other people. The “Mambacita” Kobe 6s were created as a memorial to Gianna Bryant. The sneakers’ vivid pink and purple colour palette was inspired by Gigi’s favourite hues. They also have the phrase “Mambacita” written on the heel, which is a combination of Kobe’s nickname, “Black Mamba,” as well as the Spanish word “cita,” which means “little girl.”

 

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In addition to being one of the all-time finest basketball players, Kobe Bryant was also a beloved person who encouraged athletes in various sports, thus Clark’s choice of wearing the “Mambacita” Kobe 6s is a heartfelt ode to him. The fact that Clark paid respect to Bryant shows how much of an impact he still has indicative of his persistent work ethic, spirit of competition, and devotion to the game.

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Kobe Bryant’s Impact on Clark 

With her incredible ability to come up with plays and score baskets, superstar guard of the Iowa Hawkeyes has swept the college basketball world. Her ability to generate scoring possibilities for herself and her teammates has earned her recognition as one of the sport’s brightest young players. Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality,” which Kobe invented to characterise his method of approaching the game and is defined by a firm devotion to perfection and a killer instinct in competition, is also reflected in Clark’s on-court attitude.

One of the most influential publications on basketball culture is called SLAM. When it was first published in 1994, the magazine quickly rose to popularity as the leading source for basketball-related news, features, interviews, and commentary. Fans of Kobe Bryant and Clark will undoubtedly treasure the SLAM 249 cover, which features Clark in the “Mambacita” Kobe 6s.

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Bryant’s lasting legacy and the influence he still has on athletes and spectators alike are brought to light by Clark’s tribute to him.

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Written by:

Daksh Saini

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Daksh Saini is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports, where his passion for basketball converges with insightful analysis. Daksh specializes in crafting compelling articles that delve into the legacies of NBA legends. His unique perspective, coupled with a deep understanding of the game, allows him to offer readers nuanced commentary and engaging narratives focused on the iconic figures who have shaped the history of professional basketball.
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Edited by:

Bilal Handoo