Spalding Set to Unveil Special Kobe Bryant Tribute Basketball
By Nick Porr
It's hard to believe it's been almost five months since the tragic passing of NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna in a helicopter accident. Since then, fans across the world have done a wide variety of things to honor their basketball idol since his death at age 41.
Bryant's legacy has been remembered in every way possible, from an emotional memorial before a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers, to a tribute on the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Now, Spalding is giving fans the opportunity to remember Kobe every time they shoot a basketball.
New Kobe Black Mamba Basketball being unveiled by @Spalding on Monday ($124) pic.twitter.com/2aSPhI3Kqa
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) June 11, 2020
The dark snakeskin pattern adorning the ball is of course in reference to Kobe's "Black Mamba" mantle, a nickname he gave to himself in reference to the venomous black mamba snake. The ball will be released by Spalding on Monday, meaning fans will soon be able to have the perfect ball to yell "Kobe!" after shooting a fadeaway with.
He taught them to yell "KOBE" every time they shoot ?
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 29, 2020
(via @Hail_Zel)pic.twitter.com/ISVLdrAzl3
The new Spalding basketball is yet another way for fans to honor Kobe Bryant' legacy. There better be plenty in stock, because that gorgeous ball is going to sell out fast.