Vanessa Bryant posts photo of Lakers' Black Mamba Kobe tribute jersey ahead of NBA playoffs

The NBA star and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were tragically killed in a helicopter crash in January
Tribute: The Black Mamba kit was co-designed by Kobe himself
Nike
Emma Clarke19 August 2020

Vanessa Bryant has shared a glimpse of the LA Lakers' Black Mamba jersey, in tribute to her late husband Kobe.

Should the Lakers beat the Portland Trail Blazers and advance to the next round of NBA playoffs, the athletes reportedly plan to wear special basketball jerseys paying homage to their former teammate.

Co-designed by Kobe himself, the Black Mamba kit is made of a black, snakeskin-effect material and includes 16 stars to represent the number of championships the team has played in.

In addition, the special tribute jerseys will include a heart-shaped badge with the number 2 on - a nod to Vanessa and Kobe's late daughter, Gigi, 13, who also died in the crash.

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Vanessa shared a sneak peak of the jerseys with her 13.7million followers.

It is just one of several tributes to the late Lakers icon, ahead of Kobe Bryant Day on August 24.

Kobe Bryant 1978-2020 | In pictures

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The date marries the two numbers worn by Bryant during his NBA career, eight and 24.

A statement from Orange County's Board of Supervisors said: “A treasured member of our Orange County community, Kobe Bryant was the basketball legend that inspired so many young men and women to pursue their dreams and never give up."