Nike recently paid tribute to the late Kobe Bryant at their New York Fashion Week show.
During the show, six children walked out on stage wearing a variation of Bryant’s no. 8 and no. 24 jerseys. As music played, the children stood in front of the audience which included celebrities like Drake and Virgil Abloh.
Bryant signed a deal with Nike back in 2003. After his untimely death, all of his merchandise on Nike’s website sold out. Nike posted a tribute on their website, titled “In Memory: Kobe Bryant,” that read, “Kobe was one of the greatest athletes of his generation and has had an immeasurable impact on the world of sport and the community of basketball.”
Bryant tragically lost his life during a helicopter ride to a basketball game at Mamba Sports Academy. His 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others lost their lives on the helicopter as well.
A memorial for Gianna and Bryant is set to take place on Feb. 24 at the Staples Center. Since his death, fans have gathered outside the Staples Center leaving jerseys, letters, flowers, stuffed animals, and basketballs as they grieved. Bryant’s wife, Vanessa, asked to receive some of the items that were left outside the arena. Perishable items left by fans, such as flowers, will be composted and spread around the complex.
Last week, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti praises the city for its unity following Bryant’s death.
“It’s a reminder how much unity we have, though. We are one city that believes in each other, believes in something bigger than ourselves and we will absolutely do everything to make sure that this is done so that everybody can come to it as well.”
The Staples Center has hosted memorials for Michael Jackson and Nipsey Hussle. The memorial is set to begin at 10 a.m. PST. Additional information about tickets for the memorial are not available as of yet.
Check out video of the Bryant tribute at Nike’s fashion show below.