Fans who took the trip to watch the Lakers play the Celtics on Christmas had a memorable and meaningful gift waiting for them at their seats.
Those in the arena were given special t-shirts with a tribute to the late Los Angeles legend Kobe Bryant, who played sixteen games on Christmas Day during his professional career.
Bryant is often associated with playing well on Christmas Day. In fact, per HoopsHype, LeBron James is the only player in league history to have more points scored on the holiday than Bryant recorded during his time in the NBA.
In addition to the “That’s Mamba” t-shirts on each seat, fans also received a Lakers holiday scarf when they entered https://t.co/s5vsyidZhS Arena. #Lakeshow @SportingTrib pic.twitter.com/HO2rjWQEZe
— Lauren Jones (@LoJoMedia) December 25, 2023
Surprisingly, per Stathead, only one of the games Bryant played on Christmas was against the Celtics. That was a victory in 2008 when Bryant scored 27 points while adding nine rebounds and five assists.
The Lakers lost to the Celtics in the NBA Finals earlier in that calendar year but went on to win the championship later that season. It was the first title in Bryant’s career that he won without Shaquille O’Neal as a teammate.
But considering the rivalry between the two sides, the Celtics were still a perfect opponent for the Lakers to issue the “That’s Mamba” t-shirts as an awesome giveaway.
Passion. Obsession. Fearless. Resilience. Relentless.
That’s Mamba.💜
What word describes you best?#Kobe #MambaMentality pic.twitter.com/Io451e6bcB
— Nike Basketball (@nikebasketball) December 25, 2023
The t-shirt handed out to fans is in collaboration with Nike Basketball. The brand recently released billboards (among other activations) with the same catchphrase in New York City as well.
Nike will release the “Black Mamba” Nike Kobe 4 Protro and a “Mamba Mentality” apparel line on Dec. 27.
