Nike will honor late Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant launching “Mamba Week” on Aug. 23, which would have been the five-time NBA champion’s 42nd birthday.
According to an official press release from Nike, “Mamba Week” will honor Bryant through three major efforts. The apparel giant will donate $1 million to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation created to honor Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna. The athletic brand will also release Mamba memorabilia including signature jerseys, shoes, and other athletic gear.
“Nike will continue to release Kobe Protro shoes, allowing the millions of fans he inspired around the world to keep Bryant’s legacy going,” the company said in the release. “Nike will also continue to work with the NBA to release limited quantities of Bryant’s iconic Los Angeles Lakers jersey.”
Lastly, Nike will further its support of Bryant’s Mamba League partnership with the Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club.
“The league, which strives to enroll an equal number of girls and boys and engage female coaches, is focused on giving kids a place to learn basketball fundamentals and be inspired by the game,” the statement added.
Additionally, Orange County supervisors voted to make a ceremonial day for the late Lakers legend on Aug. 24. The date symbolizes the two jersey numbers, 8 and 24, Kobe wore during his 20-season professional career.
Michelle Steel, County Board chairwoman, said the five-time NBA champion, who lived in Newport Beach, was a “treasured member of our community” and “inspired so many men and women to pursue their dreams and never give up,” CBS Sports reported.
In addition to winning five NBA championships, Bryant was a two-time finals MVP, 18-time All-Star, four-time All-Star game MVP, 11-time All-NBA first team, and back-to-back NBA scoring champion.
Bryant and his daughter were killed in a plane crash on Jan. 26. The cause of the crash is still unknown and there was no black box to record the last moments if his and his daughter’s life. Seven other occupants were killed in the crash.
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