Lakers to wear 'Black Mamba' unis on date Kobe Bryant statue is unveiled
The Lakers sported their ‘Black Mamba’ unis during the 2020 NBA Finals vs. Miami.
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EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Lakers will wear their Black Mamba uniforms, co-designed by Lakers Legend Kobe Bryant, on Feb. 8, 2024, at home versus the Denver Nuggets following the unveil of Bryant’s statue at Star Plaza outside of Crypto.com Arena earlier that day.
Bryant, an 18-time NBA All-Star and five-time NBA Champion, will be the seventh Laker to be commemorated with a statue, joining Elgin Baylor, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Jerry West and Chick Hearn.
2.8.24: The Mamba Unis Return pic.twitter.com/dJVVm8TSJ2
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 6, 2024
The Black Mamba uniforms feature a snakeskin-like black print and drop shadows on the jersey numbers, a nod to a detail from the Lakers uniforms from Bryant’s rookie season in 1996-97. The unforms also include an “LA 24” on the belt and the Nos. 8 and 24 under the flap of each leg of the shorts.
Fans are encouraged to watch the unveiling of the Bryant statue live on Spectrum SportsNet with coverage starting at 3 p.m. PT on Feb. 8, 2024. Public access to Star Plaza will be restricted Feb. 8 due to event staging and load out. Pedestrian access on Chick Hearn Court is expected to open Friday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. for fans interested in viewing the statue on Star Plaza. Chick Hearn Court will remain closed to all vehicle access through Saturday, Feb. 10.
Originally debuted during the 2017-18 season as the team’s first City Edition uniform, the Black Mamba jerseys were inspired by Bryant and his 20-year career with the purple and gold. The Lakers first wore the Black Mamba uniforms on Jan. 26, 2018, and donned the jerseys once again during the 2020 NBA Playoffs, leading to the 17th NBA Championship in franchise history.
