Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives the ball upcourt during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Staples Center on January 27, 2008.Photo:Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty
Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty
Kobe Bryantmay be gone, but his legacy lives on.
The late NBA legend will be featured on the cover of the 2024 edition of NBA2K, the video game’s publisher announced onTwitter.
“Sharing the Mamba Mentality with the next generation,” they wrote, along with photos of two different covers, the Kobe Bryant Edition and Black Mamba Edition.
In an announcement shared with PEOPLE, NBA2K said “Today, 2K showcased the cover artwork ofNBA 2K24where they announced that 18-time All-Star, five-time NBA World Champion, two-time Finals MVP, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant will be this year’s cover athlete for the NBA 2K24 Kobe Bryant Edition and Black Mamba Edition.”
Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts in the second quarter against the Utah Jazz in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 21, 2009.Kevork Djansezian/Getty
Kevork Djansezian/Getty
Even before Bryant’s death, his glittering career solidified his place in NBA history.After a 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, Bryant played his final game against the Utah Jazz in 2016, leading the Lakers to a 101-96 victory with 60 points on 22-50 shooting in 42 minutes.
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More recently, in March,Vanessa Bryantand her daughtershonored their late husband and fatherduring a ceremony unveiling his handprints at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
The basketball legend was the first athlete to leave his mark in cement at the famed TCL Chinese Theatre in 2011. In honor of his legacy, the theatre permanently installed his handprints and footprints in the front courtyard of the venue.
Vanessa Bryant, Kobe Bryant, Natalia Bryant and Gianna Bryant in 2018.Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty
“I’m honored to be here today to recognize the man that we all knew and love my dad, Kobe Bryant,” Natalia began. Calling him the “MVP of girl dads,” she spoke about witnessing his work ethic as a basketball player and how despite his busy schedule, he always made time for his four daughters.
“Being his daughter is one of the greatest joys of my life, and I hope to continue to embody and cherish the many lessons he has taught me,” she continued, adding “This day symbolizes the impact that he has had on a city that he loved and cared for so deeply.”
source: people.com
