Nike releases 'Mamba Forever' tribute to Kobe Bryant

By

Gabriella Lacombe

Published
Feb 25, 2020

Nike has unveiled a new tribute commercial to Kobe Bryant. 

Entitled 'Mamba Forever', referring to Bryant's self-given Mamba nickname, the emotional commercial shows simple white text on a black background, featuring multiple tag lines -- beginning with 'Philly Kid,' and ending with 'Mamba '-- followed by the constant word 'Forever.'

The changing text is paired with audio clips that mark significant successes during Bryant's career, including his 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors and Olympic wins at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, as well as audio clips from his teammates and friends.

"'Mamba Forever' pays tribute to [a] beloved member of the Nike family, Kobe Bryant," Nike said. "One of the greatest athletes of his generation, Bryant had an immeasurable impact on the world of sport and the community of basketball."

The ad was launched on February 24, the same day as the public memorial service honoring Bryant, and his daughter, Gianna, was held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The memorial was packed with star athletes and celebrities paying tribute to the former Los Angeles Lakers star, including Beyoncé, Jimmy Kimmel and basketball legend, Michael Jordan, while Vanessa Bryant delivered a eulogy for her husband and daughter. 

Both the basketball star, aged 41 years, and Gianna, 13, were killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday, January 26, among a total of nine victims. 

Nike's memorial commercial comes as Kobe Bryant merchandise continues to sell out everywhere, including on Nike's website.