The Los Angeles Lakers will switch to their “Black Mamba” jerseys in honour of the late Kobe Bryant when they seek a record-tying 17th NBA championship this evening.
The Lakers, who lead the Miami Heat 3-1 in the best-of-seven NBA Finals, are 4-0 this postseason when wearing the Bryant-designed alternate jerseys, which are black with gold trim and feature a subtle snakeskin pattern.
Bryant’s nickname was “Black Mamba”.
The Lakers had originally planned to wear the jerseys for a potential Game Seven but decided move it up for Friday’s game at Disney World in Florida, where the season resumed in July after a four-month COVID-19 hiatus.