Dodgers set to honor NBA legend Kobe Bryant with special jersey giveaway inspired by his Black Mamba moniker
The Los Angeles Dodgers will celebrate the legacy of late Kobe Bryant on Aug. 25. The club has announced a special giveaway of Black Mamba-themed jerseys for the game where they'll host the Tampa Bay Rays during the weekend series.
Moreover, the themed jerseys will have No. 8 written in front of them and No. 24 on the backside, paying tribute to two numbers the "Black Mamba" wore during his 20-year Hall of Fame career with the Los Angeles Lakers that saw him bring home five NBA championships.
The Lakers logo features on the back collar and left sleeve, while Bryant's initials—"KB"—are encircled in a heart on the right sleeve of the themed jersey.
Last year, the jerseys were given to only a special-ticketed audience, but this time they will be given to all potential 40,000 fans at the stadium. Fans are still advised to enter the stadium at the earliest and get their hands on Black Mamba X Dodgers special threads.
On the morning of Jan. 26, 2020, when Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna hopped on a helicopter to attend a youth basketball game at the Mamba Sports Academy in Newbury Park, a horrific crash awaited them. Bryant, along with nine other passengers on board, died, leaving the world in mourning.
Ever since, every sports franchise has continued to honor his legacy, especially the Dodgers, who were close to his heart.
Widow Vanessa gifts special sneakers to Dodgers on Kobe Bryant's milestone anniversary
Kobe Bryant's widow, Vanessa, continues to celebrate Black Mamba's milestones. In April of this season, Vanessa, on the occasion of Kobe Bryant's final game, where he scored 60 points, gifted the Dodgers stars with special custom blue sneakers from the Kobe Bryant X Nike line.
Dodgers athletes were thankful to Vanessa as they embraced the fits.
"Nice. Alright. I'll make sure to wear these every day," Mookie Betts said in a video.
"Are these the Dodger ones?" Gavin Lux said. "Oh, my God. Yo, I saw these on the internet the other day and I was like 'I need these.' These are so sick. Thank you, Vanessa. I love you."
Eight years ago, Kobe Bryant played his final game in the NBA against the Utah Jazz, scoring 60 points and leading his team to a come-from-behind 101-96 victory.
What's your special Kobe Bryant moment? Let us know in the comments.