The highly acclaimed NBA 2K video game series has announced its cover athlete for the upcoming NBA 2K24, and it’s none other than the legendary Kobe Bryant.
This marks the fourth time the Hall of Famer and Los Angeles Lakers icon has been chosen to grace the cover. The number 24 in the game’s title holds special significance, as it represents one of two jersey numbers worn by Bryant during his illustrious 20-year NBA career.
NBA 2K24 comes with two different covers featuring Bryant.
The Kobe Bryant edition features the five-time NBA champion in his famous No. 8 jersey, representing the early years of his career. The Black Mamba version of the game shows Bryant’s side profile, and possibly refers to the second half of his career as number 24.
Bryant’s association with the NBA 2K video game series dates back to his first appearance on the cover of NBA 2K10. Since then, he has been featured several times, including on the special edition athlete cover for NBA 2K17. Following his death in January 2020, a touching tribute to his life and legacy, the Mamba Forever Edition was released for NBA 2K21.
The NBA 2K franchise began in 1999 with NBA 2K, which featured another Hall of Famer, Allen Iverson, on the cover. In the most recent installment, NBA 2K23, the cover athlete was none other than Michael Jordan. Jordan has graced the covers of NBA 2K11, 2K12 and 2K16.
NBA 2K24 will be released in September and pre-orders for the game begin on Friday.
Get more from the National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to stay up to date on games, news and more