Nike has done it again. While the market leader often receives flack, its impact on the consumer base remains unmatched. Case in point: the latest marketing campaign around Kobe Bryant. With the line’s re-launch, ‘That’s Mamba’ has taken on a life of its own. Whether it be the billboards, the quotes, or the promo videos, the line is already legendary. Now, it has found its place on the NBA Christmas Day slate. For this year’s event, the NBA is returning to an old faithful.

Even though the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics rivalry hasn’t been truly alive for well over a decade, this season could see them viably compete at the grandest stage once again. With both teams genuine contenders under LeBron James and Jayson Tatum respectively, their matchup is arguably among the biggest on the Christmas slate.

Watch This Story: Ex-Lakers Star Regrets Rejecting Kobe Bryant’s Last Game Request: “I Wish I Would’ve…” 

But, the matchup also has a special place for Kobe. When the two legendary franchises were last in a battle, Bryant was in the middle of it. As the two once again get set for battle, he remains ever-present. Crypto.com Arena, or the former Staples Center, served as a second home to the Mamba.

For this year’s Christmas game, the NBA and the venue honor its icon. Each seat in the house has a special tribute for the 5x Champion. A white T-shirt with his logo and the “That’s Mamba” moniker is present on every chair. As the Lakers go full white, it is the spirit of a legend that guides their journey.

Perhaps, this tribute will make LeBron finally care about the matchup. But, the tribute has left the Lakers fanbase in a rather peculiar dilemma. To them, it might be motivation for Tatum, a known Kobe disciple, to put on a dominant showing.

Kobe Bryant tribute has fans worrying about JT

For each player to work out and model their game after Bean, the results have been spectacular. Names like Devin Booker and Jayson Tatum stand as startling examples of ones to model their games after the 2008 MVP. On the other hand, a guy like Giannis Antetokounmpo ready to emulate Bryant’s mentality found insane levels of success.

So, for a guy like Tatum to see his idol getting a tribute might trigger an explosion. A similar situation would unfold in the first game after his untimely demise, leading to one of the most infamous interviews of all time. However, the concern is high in the Lakers faithful. Especially, for a JT masterclass. “This gonna inspire tatum to drop 50″ 

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Moreover, the overall state of the team has the fans unconvinced they can pull off a victory. Against a Celtics team with the best record in the league, they might just falter. “Respect to Kobe but Lakers gonna lose to Celtics…”

With the team taking a significant dip since their In-Season Tournament glory, fans are worried if it could be one of “those days” for LA. “hopefully they don’t put on a sh*t show” 

Speaking of the Tournament, however, the team’s banner-raising drew the ire of fans, legends, and the media alike. As a result, this tribute wasn’t safe either. One fan would immediately take a jab at the team’s ways. “Will they raise a “Christmas 2023 Champs” banner if they win too?” 

Even though the fanbase isn’t fully on board, could the spirit of The Mamba guide the Lakers home?

For the 2nd Time in Four Years, LeBron James Requests NBA to Fulfill His Christmas Day Wish: “Wonder Why It Stopped”