Kobe Bryant: Lakers legend unveiled as NBA 2K24 cover

The Kobe Bryant and Black Mamba Editions of NBA 2K24 feature Kobe Bryant on the cover, following a slew of other celebrities who have been on the game's box art.

Bryant was an 18-time NBA All-Star, five-time NBA Champion, two-time Finals MVP winner, and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist for the United States of America (USA). 

He passed away at the age of 41 in a tragic helicopter crash in 2020.

He was a member of the Los Angeles Lakers for his entire NBA career, which spanned from 1996 to 2016. 

Upon his retirement from professional competition, the team retired both of the jersey numbers Bryant wore: 8 and 24. 

The sportsman continued to be successful after his time in sports, and in 2018 his short animated film Dear Basketball earned him an Academy Award.

A version of NBA 2K24 has been dubbed after his iconic Black Mamba moniker, which he coined and which has become synonymous with him.

Bryant previously appeared on the covers of NBA 2K10 and 2K17, the latter of which commemorated his career after his retirement from the NBA.

Bryant was also featured on NBA 2K21's Mamba Forever Edition, which paid respect to his career after his death.

The cover image for NBA 2K24 Kobe Bryant Edition features a youthful Kobe Bryant leaping into the air.

The cover image for NBA 2K24 Black Mamba Edition features a close-up of Kobe Bryant's face.

NBA 2K24 won't be accessible until later in the year.