[ad_1]
During their walk through the NBA playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers spoke at length about the significance of Kobe Bryant in their quest for a title.
Now they will try to finish this race with his memory on his back.
The Lakers plan to don their “Black Mamba†jerseys for Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Friday, the team said. The Lakers currently hold a 3-1 lead over the Miami Heat in the series, one victory in their first NBA championship since Bryant’s final title in 2010.
According to Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press, the Lakers initially planned to wear the uniforms in Game 2 and Game 7 of the NBA Finals, but also decided to wear them for Game 5.
Lakers are unbeaten in “Black Mamba” jerseys
The “Black Mamba” jerseys were designed by Bryant himself and introduced during the 2018 season. As this year’s playoffs approach, the Lakers made the popular decision to bring back the uniforms.
The Lakers are now 4-0 while wearing the uniform, with wins over their four opponents in the playoffs. The most iconic of the victories came against the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals, when Anthony Davis scored 3 points and called out Bryant’s name.
After winning Game 2 in the NBA Finals, LeBron James was asked about the jerseys and said this:
“It’s always special to represent someone who has meant so much, not only to the game but also to the Lakers’ organization for over 20 years. For us to pay tribute to him, to be on the ground, that is what it is about.
“We think of the Bryant family, Vanessa and their daughters. They are with us, we are with you, we love you and hopefully we make them proud by wearing these uniforms tonight and throughout the playoffs.
The Lakers wore their gold jerseys in Games 1 and 4 and white in Game 3.
More from Yahoo Sports:
[ad_2]
