"Need to do this with Bron and KD" - NBA fans react to iconic 'MVPuppets' commercials ft. Kobe Bryant and LeBron James
Nike's iconic "MVPuppets" commercials featuring then-budding rivals Kobe Bryant and LeBron James recently resurfaced on social media. The puppet-themed advertisements made NBA fans nostalgic, with some calling for Nike to bring them back.
Nike introduced the commercials in 2009 during the peak of Bryant's career. The then-LA Lakers superstar was in pursuit of his fourth championship and first as a clear-cut No. 1 scoring option. Meanwhile, James, in the early stages of his prime with the Cleveland Cavaliers, was gunning for his first title.
The advertisements featured David Alan Grier and Kenan Thompson providing humorous impersonations of Bryant and James in puppet form. The two engaged in comical banter about various NBA-related topics, including the then-upcoming 2009 playoffs and Bryant's championship rings.
On Tuesday, @LakeShowYo on X/Twitter shared one of the commercials, asking fans if they remembered them.
Many fondly recalled the advertisements, nostalgically reflecting on the NBA's late 2000s era.
"Back when life was good," @_zaiire_ said.
"When these came out, life was peak," @Lebronin1 said.
"The good old days," @loveleesfinance said.
Meanwhile, others lamented never getting to see Bryant and James match up in the NBA Finals.
"This was the year we were supposed to get a Kobe vs. LeBron finals," @TheLifeOfp24_ said.
"Bron couldn't join Kobe in finals this year. What a time that would've been," @DionApollo said.
Some also urged Nike to remake the commercials with James and one of his modern-day adversaries, such as Phoenix Suns superstar forward Kevin Durant.
"Nike needs to do this again with Bron and KD," @Lukaburner77 said.
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Nike brought back its Kobe Bryant and LeBron James puppets in 2017 commercial
Kobe Bryant and LeBron James never squared off in the NBA Finals despite coming close in 2009, with Bryant's playoff success beginning to dwindle post-2010. Thus, Nike's "MVPuppets" commercials were phased out. However, the company brought them back to promote the Lakers legend's 2017 jersey retirement.
The advertisement featured Bryant and James sitting on the beach. The former quipped about his No. 8 and 24 jerseys "dreaming of retirement," while laying out their post-retirement plans.
A year later, James joined LA in 2018 free agency, later following in Bryant's footsteps by leading the franchise to the 2020 title. However, unfortunately for Lakers fans, Bryant wasn't around to witness the organization's 17th championship, as he tragically died earlier the same year.
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