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‘Fell in Love’: DeMar DeRozan Explains How Kobe Bryant Is His Generation’s Michael Jordan
Kobe Bryant is one of the biggest names in basketball history. His legacy on the court is one of the most profound things that is left behind. Young stars still take inspiration from the ‘Mamba’ for his work ethic. Moreover, Kobe even left behind a legacy with his signature line with Nike. After his passing, players took to wearing his shoe to shoe their honor for him.
Recently, Vanessa Bryant ended their partnership with Nike over the Kobe sneakers. However, during the Orlando bubble season, Kobe’s were wore by most of the players. Over a third of the players in the NBA suited up with Bryant’s signature shoe. Now with the partnership over, players are struggling to get their hands on Kobe’s.
Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) drives to the basket and gets fouled by Phoenix Suns small forward P.J. Tucker (17) in the first half at Staples Center on December 10, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls’ forward, DeMar DeRozan spoke about Kobe and how players view him.
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DeRozan says Kobe Bryant is like Michael Jordan for this generation
While speaking about the Kobe’s, DeMar had good things to say. Moreover, he also compared the ‘Mamba’ with Jordan saying, “This generation looks at Kobe like our Jordan.”. Being a player to wear Kobe’s himself, the contract expiration must have hit DeRozan hard. However, he loves the shoe regardless saying. “t’s a great shoe to wear. Guys really fell in love with it.”
After leaving Adidas, Kobe became a sneaker free agent. Spending a couple of seasons wearing multiple Nike sneakers, he finally released his signature line. His first shoe was the Nike Zoom Kobe I, and since then, the brand only grew. While this was a traditional sneaker, Kobe later introduced the low top performance sneakers which many players wear today.
EL SEGUNDO, CALIF. – APRIL 30, 2013. Kobe Bryant talks with reporters after his exit interview with the Lakers on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at the team’s training facility in El Segundo. (Photo by Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Thus, due to its growing popularity, the Kobe brand one of Nike’s most successful merchandise, only falling to Jordan. After his retirement, Bryant extended his deal for another five years, hoping to keep growing. However, after his unfortunate passing, Vanessa decided to call off the deal with Nike. This comes on back of multiple reasons.
The most notable reason was Nike didn’t offer Kobe a lifetime deal. Vanessa wanted to continue Bryant’s legacy with a lifelong deal with Nike. However, the brand wasn’t willing to offer. Moreover, the Bryant family didn’t like the way Nike dealt with the releases after Kobe’s passing. These reasons caused the break up between the two and Nike won’t produce anymore Kobe merchandise.
Do you think Nike should have offered the life long deal after what Kobe Bryant did for the brand? Let us know in the comments below.
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