NBA
Lakers Black Mamba edition jersey: prize, what is it made of and where to buy it
The Lakers show their commitment to excellence and symbolize Bryant’s legacy by wearing this jersey embodying the Mamba Mentality.
As the Los Angeles Lakers play for another NBA championship, the memory of Kobe Bryant still looms large over the franchise four years after his tragic death. Known as the Black Mamba, Bryant left an indelible mark on the basketball world with his unparalleled greatness, marked by five NBA championships and numerous individual accolades.
On the night of his statue reveal at the Staples Center, we again remembered who Kobe was and how much of his legacy is sewn into the iconic “Black Mamba” jersey. However, Bryant’s legacy is more than just statistics for the Lakers family. His influence remains woven into the very fabric of the team’s identity. The black Mamba jersey symbolizes a player and a relentlessly pursuing excellence mindset, which has become synonymous with Bryant’s ethos.
In 2017, Bryant collaborated with Nike to design the Lakers’ City Edition jersey, infusing it with the spirit of the Mamba Mentality. The result was a striking snakeskin pattern that constantly reminds us of Bryant’s unwavering drive and passion for the game.
When wearing the Mamba jerseys, the Lakers carry a sense of purpose and determination that transcends the court. The team’s star players attest to the added energy and effort of wearing the iconic uniform, acknowledging the weight of responsibility accompanying it.
Throughout their journey, particularly during the challenges of the bubble season, Kobe Bryant’s influence has been ever-present, motivating the team to honor his memory by their actions both on and off the court. The words they speak and the effort they exert originate from a deep-seated desire to preserve Bryant’s legacy and transform tragedy into triumph. Wearing black, the Lakers symbolically connect to Bryant, turning their grief into a source of strength and inspiration. Every game represents a tribute to his lasting impact, a commitment to excellence that epitomizes the Mamba Mentality.
Where can you buy the black-colored, snake-textured jersey?
Many NBA apparel resellers have this item listed on their website. Prices for the original 2017 edition range from $120 to $500. Most of the jersey is black and features a snakeskin-embossed pattern as a tribute to Kobe’s “Black Mamba” nickname. It also includes hints of the Los Angeles Lakers gold and purple colors and is made of moisture-wicking fabric, making it lightweight and suitable for wear on the basketball court.
This jersey stands out because it includes each of the numbers that Kobe wore during his two-decade career with the Lakers. The #8 he wore at the start of his career is on the front of the jersey, while the #24 he wore towards the end is on the back. In our opinion, this is the best feature of the jersey.