‘Mind Boggling’: Olympic Gold Medalist Reacts to Kobe Bryant and Nike Parting Ways

It is rare to see Nike letting a star break away from its contract to join a competitor. However, ever since Kobe’s passing, it seemed a possibility that the company might not get to renew its contract with the Kobe Bryant estate. That’s exactly what happened as Vanessa Bryant released a statement putting a full stop to the 18-year long partnership.

The demand for the Black Mamba’s signed shoes soared after his helicopter crash. Nike allegedly could not meet the availability and also failed to offer a lifetime deal Vanessa liked. So that is how it all ended, but how do other notable figures feel about the headline?

Vince Carter supported the decision of Kobe Bryant estate

The 8x NBA All-star and Kobe’s rival, Vince Carter, sat down for an interview where he reacted to the deal. The 44-YO retired athlete expressed, “This is everything. What Kobe has done for the game, what his shoes do for the game, people are always talking about, yo I’m gonna get the Kobes.”

The former Raptor then revealed how the Black Mamba gifted him one of those iconic pairs. He further added, “Kobe gifted me a pair of Kobe’s, I didn’t wear, obviously I had my own signature shoe at the time. I put those things right on the [indiscernible]. I was not wearing these things, but what it’s done for the game, it’s just amazing. [I] hope they’re able to work something out, lifetime deal is what I’m thinking. Him not being here anymore and to see these two go away from each other and part ways, it’s just mind-boggling.”

Apart from him, Monica McNutt, Zach Lowe, and Rachel Nichols herself too reacted. All that told, what are the other things revolving around this breakup?

Read also – Nike Was Unwilling to Give Kobe Bryant Signature Line the Same Treatment as LeBron James and Michael Jordan

Vanessa Bryant might take everyone by surprise

Last season, 53 NBA players wore the Kobe Proto 4s and another 31 players sported some other Kobe line. Regular users like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Talen Horton-Tucker would now want to stock up some of those before the market has nothing left (apart from bidding of course). 

Also, while Nike might shift its low-top focus on Giannis Antetokounmpo or Zion Williamson’s line, what are the plans of Vanessa Bryant? After Kobe Bryant’s death, several headlines clarified he was interested in introducing his own line. So now, if the potential lifetime deals from no other brand could impress Vanessa, they might take that route. 

An IP attorney, Mr. Josh Gerben had already revealed how KB estate has filed 13 trademarks since May 2020. These trademarks for Mambacita, Baby Mambas, Mamba League, Mamba, and Play Gigi’s Way make it sound more real that a new brand can enter the market.

So what do you think, should there be a tie-up or a brand new launch of the Mamba company? Help us know in the comments.

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