NBA players are often known for their basketball prowess, but many also have a deep affection for other sports. From Steph Curry’s impressive golf skills to Steve Nash’s soccer finesse, it’s not uncommon to see players attending other sporting events during their downtime. Kobe Bryant, the former Los Angeles Lakers icon, was one such athlete. While he was unmatched in his devotion to basketball, he also harbored a great love for baseball, particularly the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Bryant’s bond with the Dodgers began in 2000 when he was invited to throw the ceremonial first pitch, just a week after clinching his first NBA title with the Lakers. In honor of their annual ‘Lakers Night’ celebration on September 1st, the Dodgers franchise, valued at $4.8 billion, unveiled a limited edition set of jerseys inspired by Bryant. These jerseys, reminiscent of the Lakers’ attire during their 2020 Championship triumph, feature both of Bryant’s iconic numbers, 8 and 24, with the former displayed on the front and the latter on the back, beneath his name.

In a departure from their usual white uniforms, these special edition jerseys are black with gold trim, adorned with mamba scales as a tribute to Bryant’s ‘Black Mamba’ moniker.

Upon learning of the Dodgers’ tribute, Bryant’s widow, Vanessa, expressed her gratitude on Instagram, thanking the team, as well as the Lakers and the NBA. She shared her appreciation with her 15.2 million followers, acknowledging the efforts of both organizations to honor her late husband.

Since Bryant’s tragic passing in January 2020, Vanessa has been dedicated to preserving his legacy in all aspects of the game, ensuring that his name continues to be revered. These limited edition jerseys will be exclusively available to fans who purchase the special ticket package, rather than being widely available in the stadium.