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Kobe Bryant
beyonce January 26, 2021
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Our idols love Kobe Bryant so much: 10 celebrities who wore his jerseys

Celebrities have donned Kobe Bryant jerseys for over two decades now. Beyoncé, Snoop Dogg, LeBron James, Lil Wayne, the list goes on and on.

Kobe Bryant was an iconic figure in the world, and he still is. There is a reason his jerseys have been some of the most successful of any NBA player ever. When you put on the 8 or 24, you are putting on Kobe’s legacy.

A legacy of determination, diligence, and drive to be the best. The mamba mentality in its purest form.

Whether its the classic purple and gold, the light-blue throwback jerseys, or a custom suit of Kobe’s Lakers, these celebrities have donned Kobe’s jersey because they respect the man, the myth, the legend. And there is no greater nod to Kobe Bean Bryant than that.

Beyoncé dons a unique Kobe Bryant jersey look

Cred: Tumblr

Beyhive let’s hear it! Beyoncé, the towering figure she is, does not go out of her way to appear in the public light. But for Kobe, Beyoncé would be there.

As a contemporary in the entertainment world, Beyoncé surely saw Kobe Bryant as a friend, and would thus rock his jersey from time to time to make that fact known.

Also, not that it’s any anomaly in this fact, but the Kobe jersey looks damn good on her.

celebrities jerseys
Cred: Tumblr

Bey even performed at Kobe’s memorial service in a beautiful tribute.

“I’m here, because I loved Kobe. And this was one of his favorite songs.”

Beyoncé singing XO

All the feels. All of them.

Famous Lakers fan Snoop Dogg never forgets what Kobe did for the franchise

kobe bryant jerseys

Snoop Dogg photographed by Kevin Mazur while attending the 2002 ESPY Awards in Hollywood, CA – July 10, 2002

Snoop Dogg is never afraid to make clear his loyalty for the Lakers. And Kobe for that matter.

In this custom Kobe Bryant jersey, Snoop reminds us that he’s been doing this. Showing love to the real. To the fearless.


Snoop Dogg photographed by Kevin Mazur while attending the 2002 ESPY Awards in Hollywood, CA – July 10, 2002

As legendary as anyone gets in the entertainment business, Snoop is a boss. Even during the Lakers’ years in obscurity, Snoop stayed true to the franchise.

And he always reminds us that we can do anything.

Naomi Osaka shows love to Kobe in a classic jersey during her 2020 US Open win

Naomi Osaka celebrates her US Open win in a Kobe jersey

One of our favorite athletes of this generation, Naomi Osaka is revered because she is more than an athlete. She raised awareness of the many Black lives lost to police brutality in recent years.

And she absolutely dominated the US Open in 2020. Channeling Kobe’s Mamba mentality, Osaka showed out.

Look out for her in the upcoming 2021 Olympics, taking place in her home country of Japan.

Rivals, teammates, friends: LeBron shows love wearing Kobe’s jersey in the 2020 NBA playoffs

celebrities jerseys
LeBron James on his way to the arena before a 2020 NBA playoff game (Cred: @Lakers)

Idols turn to rivals. Rivals return to being friends.

The media wanted to pit LeBron and Kobe against each other. The league would’ve loved nothing more than a finals pairing of the two up against one another. But alas, we never got one.

Whether on opposing teams, or as teammates on the Team USA squad, ‘Bron and Kobe always had respect for each other.

So it only made sense that ‘Bron would don one of Kobe’s jerseys before a big game. And, of course, in a playoffs that LeBron’s team would end up winning. ‘Bron strived for greatness by channeling his inner Mamba mentality.

Lil Wayne seen in a Kobe Bryant jersey shows us GOATS love other GOATS

celebrities jerseys
Lil Wayne getting drippy in a Kobe jersey Cred: @colormenae

The man at the pinnacle of the rap game pairing up with the man at the height of sports. Lil Wayne repping one of Kobe Bryant’s jerseys shows us GOATS enjoy other GOATS.

Don’t we all like surrounding ourselves with success?

Vanessa Hudgens represents the newer generation of Kobe fans

celebrities jerseys
8/24. Happy Kobe Bryant day💛💜 (Cred: @vanessahudgens)

Vanessa Hudgens represents the newer generation of Lakers and Kobe fans. She grew up with the Lakers being great, and found stardom herself as the franchise continued its success.

Now, in a non-pandemic world, you will find Hudgens at a Lakers game, cheering on Kobe’s legacy and the new team.

“I was never really into sports. Then I started watching the lakers games. I cheered more for Kobe than anyone else in my life. Yearssss ago I got a call saying Kobe wanted a signed Gabriella doll for one of his daughters. Geeking out I said of course…I would also really love a signed jersey.”

Vanessa Hudgens via her IG

For all the tension, Shaq and Kobe loved and supported each other

kobe bryant jerseys
Shaq wearing a Kobe jersey before an NBA game (Cred: @ballislife)

Shaq wore Kobe’s jersey before a 2002 NBA game. Why? Kobe was serving a two-game suspension for fighting Reggie Miller.

Shaq showed support for his superstar teammate, and with the well-chronicled rifts between the tandem, this was a big show of support.

Everyone wants to find themselves in one of Kobe Bryant’s jerseys.

Lauren London shows love in one of Kobe Bryant’s jerseys

Kobe Bryant jerseys
Lauren London sporting a Kobe jersey (Cred: @laurenlondon)

Celebrities wearing jerseys is no news in and of itself. But for an LA-native, Lauren London rocking one of Kobe Bryant’s jerseys is undoubtedly special.

The beautiful actress, along with her man Nipsey Hussle, were die-hard Lakers fans. And that meant they were die hard Kobe fans.

Rest east Bean. There is a plethora of people on Earth that think about you daily.

Kyrie Irving carries Kobe Bryant’s legacy forward

kobe bryant jerseys
Kyrie rocking a Kobe jersey in 2021 (Cred: @BrooklynNets)

Kobe Bryant has many protégés in the NBA, but perhaps are none are more documented than Kyrie Irving. The two truly had a unique relationship.

And it wasn’t focused solely on basketball. Kobe instilled wisdom of life on Kyrie, and no doubt those efforts were reciprocated.

Kyrie is as enigmatic a star as we have in sports, but when he puts on one of Kobe’s jerseys, we know the place he’s coming from. Because it’s what we all feel too: love, respect, admiration, and more.

Spike Lee shows his support for Kobe Bryant at the 2020 Oscars

kobe bryant jerseys
Spike Lee and Bong Joon-Ho at the 2020 Oscars Cred: @bong.joon_ho

In addition to showing the beautiful friendship between Spike Lee and Bong Joon-Ho, these photos show how Kobe Bryant’s jerseys can be turned into anything.

Spike Lee has a flair for the dramatic outfit. But he never misses. And even as perhaps the most famous NY Knick fan of all time, he still made sure to show love to the late, great Kobe Bryant.

These celebrities rocking Kobe jerseys show how far his impact stretched

What are the similarities between all these people? Ok, they’re all celebrities rocking Kobe’s jerseys, but aside from that, they stretch across different industries, backgrounds, sexes, age groups, and more.

Kobe Bryant’s legacy will endure, not just because of his remarkable jerseys that will never go out of style. But because of the effect he had on so many different people, inside and outside of the game of basketball.

Rest in peace Kob’, we miss you.

10K80 January 26, 2021
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Remembering a legend: 10 iconic photos from Kobe Bryant’s career

To the photographers able to capture photos of Kobe Bryant throughout his illustrious career over the years, thank you. It is because of you that we have iconic and powerful photos of Kobe Bryant to remember him by, both on and off the basketball court.

Much of my family derives from Philadelphia and neighboring East Coast areas. The farthest back that I can remember is the first time my feet touched the ocean at age three in Avalon, NJ.

When I sat down with my grandparents to watch the 2001 NBA Finals (76ers versus Lakers), my family swore up and down how the 6ers and A.I. would triumph.

Unbeknownst to them, there was a guy on the other side of the court with the basketball named Kobe Bean Bryant. Remembering Kobe Bryant is one of the best things we can do whenever we need motivation and clarity.

Let us now reminisce and bask in the glory of the legendary ‘Black Mamba’ through this collection of wondrous imagery.

Remembering young Kobe Bryant at the tip of his career

Kobe Bryant photographed by Jon SooHoo during a portrait session outside of The Forum in Inglewood, CA – 1997

“Green and inexperienced, dreaming about that chariot.”

Capital Steez – Dead Prez

Making the leap from high school to the league is quite the feat. Kobe welcomed the challenge in stride and set his sights on the upper echelon from day one.

Remembering Kobe Bryant means remembering him before reaching the height of his powers. The star-eyed youngster intent on being great.

Reading the paper, Kobe clearly disapproves of what he sees

Kobe Bryant photographed by Andrew D. Bernstein while reading the paper prior to playing the New Jersey Nets during the 2002 NBA Finals in Los Angeles, CA – June 01, 2002

The satirical caricature of Kobe’s domineering comrade, Shaquille O’Neal does not even measure up to his waistline. Why poke a bear? Kobe gives us his best Cam’ron impression in this flick in contemplation along the lines of, “Sure. Add fuel to this Mamba fire. My play will do the talkin.'”

Star-studded lovers Kobe and Vanessa Bryant in the early years of their relationship

Vanessa Bryant & Kobe Bryant photographed by Andrew D. Bernstein while arriving home after defeating the 76ers during Game Five of the NBA Finals in Los Angeles, CA – June 16, 2001

“Am I wrong? I want my bouquet when I can smell it”

(Legend – Benny the Butcher)

An undying passion for the game and commitment to excellence flowed through every vein of Kobe’s body. One can only imagine the amount of love and devotion Kobe showed to those with whom he surrounded himself, inside and outside of basketball.

We remember Kobe Bryant in his efforts off the court just as much as we do those on it.

A beautiful father-son duo, Kobe always respected and appreciated his pops

Kobe Bryant & his father Joseph Bryant photographed by Nathaniel S. Butler while in the locker room before a game against the 76ers in Philadelphia, PA – November 26, 1996

Kobe’s hunger transcended generations. He was one of the few athletes with the caliber to jump straight from high school to the NBA.

Some people know their calling from a young age and KBB was clearly of a different elk since conception.

Shaq and Kobe always had a contentious relationship, but there was always love there

Kobe Bryant & Shaq’s father Phillip Harrison photographed by Andrew D. Bernstein before a game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA – 2000

Kobe was a family man through and through. He yearned to discover every single detail and aspect about the game of basketball.

That crossed over to relationships as he wanted to know every single thing about those around him in order to better himself and advance relations in the utmost.

So even though Shaq and Kobe feuded, this photo of Kobe Bryant and Shaq’s dad reminds us that there was a lot of love on display still.

Before the rings, Shaq and Kobe had a lot to prove, together

Shaquille O’Neal & Kobe Bryant photographed by John W. McDonough while playing against the Houston Rockets in Inglewood, CA – May 09, 1999

The rift between Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal in their basketball endeavors was well-documented in their careers. When you get two competitive behemoths of that magnitude, it is difficult to have everything flow perfectly.

Regardless, their off-the-court disagreements never spilled over onto the court. As genuine basketball connoisseurs, that is all we can ask for.

After the first ring, this candid photo shows the pride both Kobe and Shaq felt

LOS ANGELES – JUNE 19: Shaquille O’Neal #34 and Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers pose for a photo after winning the NBA Championship on June 19, 2000 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2000 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

Clearly, the rings can do the talking. Not only that, but the sheer gaudy statistics speak volumes of these two players’ capabilities.

Call them what you want – never call them for fronts. These two men are legends.

Perhaps one of the most famous photos of his career, Kobe takes a second to take the moment in

Kobe Bryant photographed by Andrew D. Bernstein after defeating the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Five of the NBA Finals in Philadelphia, PA – June 15, 2001

Exhausted, spent, worn. Kobe poured his heart and soul into every bounce of the Spalding.

An individual to truly admire for his wondrous deeds on and off of the court, these photos of Kobe Bryant keep us inspired. Greatness personified.

The ultimate competitors: Kobe vs. A.I.

PHILADELPHIA – FEBRUARY 20: Allen Iverson #3 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers stand during a game played on February 20, 2000 at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1993 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

If you were there, you attended the closest thing to heaven’s entrance. Night in and night out during their careers, Kobe and A.I. spoiled us with their incredibly gifted outputs.

When Kobe fatefully passed on this day last year, A.I. was one of his many contemporaries to speak out on his love and respect for the Mamba.

“Greatness needs company, and we needed each other. Mike needed Prince like Prince needed Mike.”

Allen Iverson in The Players’ Tribune

One of the most famous photos of Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson: The two biggest Laker legends of all time

Kobe Bryant & Magic Johnson photographed by Walter Looss Jr. during a portrait session for Sports Illustrated in Los Angeles, CA – April 01, 1998

Voila, Magic! Not only did Kobe put on for the entire state of California, he commanded attention, globally.

Together with Lakers’ legends, Kobe had massive plans to continue to bolster the identity and elite functionality of the Los Angeles Lakers organization.

The magnum opus of Kobe Bryant photos: Kobe and Mike, teacher and mentor

Michael Jordan & Kobe Bryant photographed by Andrew D. Bernstein during a game at The Forum in Inglewood, CA – February 01, 1998

There is no denying the fact that to be the man you have to beat the man. With careful craft and rigorous preparation Kobe molded his game ever so closely to that of Michael Jordan.

Kobe Bryant’s basketball prowess is what got MJ’s attention. But it was his work ethic and killer mentality that truly attracted Mike to Bean. And MJ spoke reverently about Kobe at his memorial in 2020.

“Kobe was my dear friend, he was like a little brother. When Kobe died, a little piece of me died.”

Michael Jordan

Interested in more Kobe Bryant quotes? Tap in here:

Pau Gasol with the Bryants
gigi bryant October 6, 2020
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How Pau Gasol continues to be Kobe Bryant’s best friend after his death

Pau Gasol and Kobe formed a brotherhood as beautiful as they come.

Gasol spent seven seasons as a teammate of Kobe Bryant on the Los Angeles Lakers.

Those seven seasons included two championships and the growth of a brotherhood between the two that hasn’t stopped even since Kobe’s tragic death.

Looking after Kobe’s family

When Kobe passed away along with his daughter, Gigi, and seven others in a helicopter crash, he left behind his wife and three daughters. 

“Uncle” Gasol has stepped in and made sure to look after the Bryant family in what has been a difficult time for the family. Pau and Kobe frequently referred to each other as brothers even after their playing days. 

Gasol spent his 40th birthday with the Bryant family and for Gigi’s 14th birthday, he sent the family a cake. He also sent Kobe’s wife, Vanessa, a bouquet of flowers for her wedding anniversary.

Kobe made Pau the godfather of his children. Gasol has made sure to be there in any way possible for the Bryant family, who are no doubt hurting. Pau Gasol and Kobe’s brotherhood is clear, even after Kobe’s unfortunate passing.

Gasol’s wife Catherine McDonnell, recently gave birth to their first child together. With Vanessa Bryant’s blessing, they honored the Bryant family by naming her Elisabet Gianna Gasol. 

Brotherhood

In game 1 of the NBA Finals, Gasol showed up to the virtual crowd wearing a Lakers “Black Mamba” edition Kobe Bryant jersey. It was a way of paying tribute to Kobe as the “Black Mamba” edition jerseys were made to honor him this season.

The Lakers are 4-0 in the playoffs when wearing the jersey up until this point. 

There is no doubt that what Kobe and Pau were able to accomplish on the court was legendary. Their relationship with one another, however, was always deeper than basketball.

Even after Kobe’s death, we can see just how close he and Pau Gasol were and what their friendship meant to one another. 

kobe bryant
10K80 July 28, 2017
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Mind of the Mamba: How Kobe Bryant turned himself into a businessman

It’s only been one year since Kobe retired and realistically, it seems like it’s been forever.

That epic night he dropped 60 and walked away like one of the legends of our time was a great moments in recent sports memory.

After a 20-year career with five NBA titles and a record $680 million in career earnings according to Forbes, you would think this man would be resting up and laying back for the rest of his life. But you’re wrong. This is the mamba we’re talking about.

Just last summer Kobe announced he was starting up a $100 million investment fund with Jeff Stibel focusing on tech, media and data companies called Bryant Stibel. They initially reported that this deal would last over the course of a “few years” and weren’t seeking any outside investors. But what does this all really mean?

According to Stibel, the mission for this partnership is to help solve real problems and not just use Kobe’s name to help a brand promote their product.

“We don’t want to be in the business of investing in companies so someone can use Kobe as an endorser. That’s not interesting. The point is to add real value.”

Not many people might’ve known about Kobe’s business side beforehand. But this is something he’s been low key plotting for some time now. Aside from this he also has Kobe Inc., which he started in 2014 for his private investments, mostly within the sports realm, including the Body Armor partnership he made with the Lakers to set the record for single day arena merchandise sales with $1.2 million.

In an interview with CNBC’s “Squawk On The Street” he said,

“This is one of my passions. We are one gear, 100 percent laser-focused, and here we go.”

Off the jump Bryant Stibel invested into 13 companies including Alibaba, The Players Tribune, and LegalZoom. As of today they now invest in 15 companies, according to Crunch Base.

With two of these companies already acquired, and a few others pretty prominent in their respective spaces, Kobe and Stibel have also turned their attention to newer ventures like the t-shirt company Represent and VIPKid, a portal that provides an American school experience to children in China.

With all of their investments taking off at different stages of the business, what is really pushing Kobe to keep digging deeper? I mean what really inspires a man who already made a fortune playing basketball to learn a whole new game? Kobe told CNBC,

“If you really want to create something that last generations, you have to help inspire the next generation, and they create something great, and then that generation will inspire the one behind them, right? And that’s when you create something forever. And that’s what’s most beautiful.”

Kobe is all about innovating and helping new and exciting companies find their footing in their various industries. He’s always had a knack for entrepreneurship, but it wasn’t until the later years of his career when he really began thinking of the possibilities. Now Mamba’s got all the time (and capital) in the world to do whatever he wants.

In 2013, a major achilles injury made Kobe realize he was truly at the end of his career and it was time to start thinking of things outside of basketball. He told ESPN,

“I have always had ideas and always had a vision of where I wanted to go going back to 2000, but they are just ideas. Now, once the Achilles injury took place, I’m sitting at home for months not moving, a couple things set in. One is that there is only so many Modern Family episodes a person can watch. And then two, what do I do now?”

Considering how competitive Kobe was in his 20 years in the NBA, you already know he’s taking that same drive and determination into the world of business. He’s methodical, loves studying his competition, and has that killer instinct.

We’re all waiting to see your next move, Mamba.

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