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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 09: Los Angeles Lakers Guard Kobe Bryant and his wife Vanessa Bryant pose for a photo during a game between the Los Angeles Kings and the Washington Capitals at STAPLES Center on March 09, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NHLI via Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 09: Los Angeles Lakers Guard Kobe Bryant and his wife Vanessa Bryant pose for a photo during a game between the Los Angeles Kings and the Washington Capitals at STAPLES Center on March 09, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NHLI via Getty Images)
NBA icon Kobe Bryant left an indelible legacy. The sports world was in shock when he passed away in January 2020. Thursday would have marked the Los Angeles Lakers legend’s 45th Birthday, and August 24 marks ‘Mamba Day’. To express the gratitude left behind by the 5x NBA champion, Nike decided to celebrate his legacy in a grand manner. The $12 billion sports empire came up with a two-day event and launched new sneakers commemorating his canopy on his birthday in a place where Kobe played all his life.
Crypto.com Arena was bustling with basketball stars, past and present, as Nike decided to celebrate the legacy of the Black Mamba in his home.
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Celebrations at the home of the Black Mamba
The first Mamba League invitational marked its inauguration on August 24 as a great success. The two-day event of men’s and women’s basketball was a phenomenal feat, and the final games were conducted on Mamba Day. Kobe Bryant played for the Lakers throughout his 20-year NBA career. So it was only right for the franchise to host the memorable event.
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April 08, 2020: FILE: KOBE BRYANT has been posthumously elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame. Bryant along with eight others, were selected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, officials announced. Tim Duncan, the longtime San Antonio Spurs forward, and ex-Minnesota Timberwolves and Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett will also be inducted. PICTURED: May 04, 2010, Los Angeles, California, USA: Los Angeles Lakers KOBE BRYANT 24 competes for a loose ball against Utah Jazz during Game 2 of a second-round NBA, Basketball Herren, USA basketball playoff series. The Lakers won 111-103. Kobe Bryant Posthumously Elected to Basketball Hall of Fame – ZUMAc68_ 20100504_ryn_c68_051 Copyright: xRingoxChiux
Many notable personalities were spotted and one among them was Bryce James, the youngest son of LeBron James. Vanessa Bryant shared a TikTok video of the Laker’s official handle showing the stars participating in the league. She posted the video in her IG stories as a token of gratitude for the support they’ve rendered her since Kobe and Gigi’s untimely demise.
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Nike’s Tribute to Kobe Bryant
Post Kobe’s death, there arose differences of opinion between Vanessa and Nike regarding the contract Kobe signed. However, the dispute was settled verbally by both parties. Vanessa announced last year that all proceeds from Gigi’s shoes would go to the ‘Mamba and Mambacita Foundation’.
Watch this story: Vanessa Bryant and her journey of keeping Kobe Bryant and daughter Gigi’s legacy alive
Nike recently launched a signature series in the Kobe Bryant ” Kobe 8 Protro” along with the basketball event confirming that things are well and good between the late Laker’s wife and Nike.
What are your thoughts on the Invitational? Let us know in the comments below.
Read More: LeBron James Celebrates His Younger Son’s Endeavor on a Historic Night, In Memory of Kobe Bryant
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Pragya Vashisth