The late, great Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers hasn’t been with us for years now but his presence in the NBA is felt often.
In fact, he had such an impact on the league and the players within it – even those who never played with him – that he is still celebrated as one of the greatest to ever play.
Because of this, Bryant has received the honor of being on the cover of NBA 2K24, according to ESPN.
Gamers will be able to purchase a special “Black Mamba” edition of the game, which is graced by Bryant’s face.
Kobe Bryant will be the cover of NBA 2K24 ????
(via @NBA2K) pic.twitter.com/IIRi92OTcj
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 6, 2023
It’s not clear what other special features will come with the Black Mamba version of the game.
But it doesn’t matter: fans all over the world were completely sold on the idea the moment it was announced.
Online, people noted that this means Bryant has been on the cover of multiple 2K games.
He has now had 4 NBA 2K covers: NBA 2K10, NBA 2K17, NBA 2K21, and now NBA 2K24.
— Chris Beasmore (@CBeasmoreSports) July 6, 2023
The news was met with acclaim from fans, who are always happy to see Bryant celebrated.
Best news of the week
— Greg♍???????????????? (@Greg_Geoflow) July 6, 2023
However, some people weren’t as fond of the choice.
Some felt that Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, the reigning Finals MVP, should have been given the honor.
Should been jokic
— Famed J (@famed_j) July 6, 2023
And others believe that it’s time the 2K games move beyond Bryant, Michael Jordan, and other iconic greats from yesteryear.
“Promote new players please,” one fan pleaded.
Not again. Dammmmm. Mj and Kobe are the past. Promote new players please.
— LeGoatjimmy (@Legoatjimmy23) July 6, 2023
We don’t know what other editions of 2K24 will come forward before its release.
There is a chance that Jokic and others get their faces on the cover too.
But the creation of the Black Mamba edition shows that Bryant is still an important part of the NBA and will forever have a very crucial and major part in the league’s history.
NEXT: Graphic Shows Off The New-Look Lakers
