Kobe Bryant, the legendary Los Angeles Lakers icon and Hall of Famer, has been announced as the cover athlete for the highly anticipated NBA 2K24 video game. This exciting news has thrilled fans worldwide, as Bryant’s inclusion on the cover pays homage to his remarkable legacy.
Notably, this will be the fourth time that Bryant graces the cover of the NBA 2K series, demonstrating his enduring popularity and influence. The significance of the number 24 in the game’s title is not lost on fans, as it represents one of the two iconic jersey numbers Bryant wore during his illustrious 20-year NBA career.
NBA 2K24 will feature two distinct covers, both of which honor Bryant’s incredible journey. The first edition, known as the Kobe Bryant edition, showcases the basketball legend in his renowned No. 8 jersey, symbolizing the early years of his extraordinary career. On the other hand, the Black Mamba edition highlights Bryant’s side profile, representing the latter part of his career when he wore the No. 24 jersey.
Bryant’s affiliation with the NBA 2K video game series dates back to his initial appearance on the cover of NBA 2K10, and he has been featured multiple times since then. Notably, he was also the special edition athlete cover for NBA 2K17. Following his tragic passing in January 2020, the Mamba Forever edition was released for NBA 2K21 as a poignant tribute to his life and lasting legacy.
Since its debut in 1999, the NBA 2K franchise has consistently featured basketball legends on its covers. The iconic Allen Iverson graced the cover of the first installment, NBA 2K, while the legendary Michael Jordan was the cover athlete for NBA 2K11, 2K12, and 2K16. Continuing this tradition, NBA 2K23 featured Jordan as the cover athlete, further solidifying the game’s commitment to showcasing basketball greatness.
Fans can look forward to the release of NBA 2K24 in September, with pre-orders for the game scheduled to begin on Friday. Make sure to secure your copy to experience the excitement of playing as Kobe Bryant and immersing yourself in the world of virtual basketball like never before.
