The Los Angeles Lakers will pay tribute to Lakers Legend Kobe Bryant on February 8, 2024, by wearing their iconic Black Mamba uniforms, which Bryant co-designed, during their game against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena. This special occasion follows the unveiling of Bryant’s statue at Star Plaza outside the arena earlier in the day.

Bryant, revered as an 18-time NBA All-Star and five-time NBA Champion, will be immortalized with a statue, becoming the seventh Lakers legend to receive this honor. He joins the esteemed company of Elgin Baylor, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Jerry West, and Chick Hearn.

The Black Mamba uniforms, marked by a snakeskin-like black print and distinctive drop shadows on the jersey numbers, pay homage to a design element from Bryant’s rookie season in 1996-97. Additionally, the uniforms feature an “LA 24” insignia on the belt and the numbers 8 and 24 beneath the flap of each leg of the shorts.

Fans are encouraged to witness the unveiling of Bryant’s statue live on Spectrum SportsNet, with coverage beginning at 3 p.m. PT on February 8, 2024. Access to Star Plaza will be restricted on that day due to event preparations, but pedestrian access on Chick Hearn Court is set to reopen on Friday, February 9, at 10 a.m., allowing fans to view the statue.

Originally introduced during the 2017-18 season as the team’s inaugural City Edition uniform, the Black Mamba jerseys serve as a tribute to Bryant’s illustrious 20-year career with the Lakers. The Lakers first wore these iconic uniforms on January 26, 2018, and later during the 2020 NBA Playoffs, contributing to the franchise’s 17th NBA Championship victory.