April 13 — less than one week away – will be Kobe Bryant‘s last day in the NBA when the Los Angeles Lakers host the Utah Jazz. Of course, the importance of the game itself will be secondary by a country mile to the events during and after, all of which will obviously be a tribute to Kobe. Speaking of tributes, Nike is putting on one of its own for “Mamba Day.” Beginning today (April 7), Nike-sponsored athletes will wear black and gold shoes, as detailed by this Nike press release:
From the golf course in Augusta to football pitches in Europe and numerous fields of play in between, accomplished athletes including Rory McIlroy, Mike Trout and Carli Lloyd will honor one of the world’s most polarizing champions. Bryant is a hero to fans and a villain to others, but nobody can question his fierce competitiveness, which has led to five world championships, 18 All-Star appearances and two gold medals.
The black and gold Nike product seen worldwide over the next week appropriately leads into the Mamba Day celebration on April 13, when Los Angeles hosts Utah in Bryant’s final professional game
It’s a perfect gesture for one of the most iconic athletes to ever play professional sports, let alone wear Nike gear. And with this movement, the reality that Kobe’s final days in the NBA are here has become more surreal than ever.
(Nike)
