It was a somber day in the basketball world (both real and digitally inNBA 2K20) as the sport lost one of its greatest stars. Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant, 13,were among several people who died in a helicopter crashSunday morning in Calabasas, California. Bryant was 41.The news sent a shockwave through the NBA and beyond as millions across the world collectively mourned the death of a once-in-a-lifetime athlete. Tributes poured in from fellow athletes and coaches, celebrities, and the countless number of fans, both young and old, that he’s inspired throughout his career.That includes the development team forNBA 2K20(thebest-selling game of 2019), and even the game’s passionate players, who have found a unique way to pay their respects. The game has already been updated so that players will see a pop-up screen paying tribute to Bryant upon booting it up. The same image can also be seen on billboards throughoutNBA 2K20’sMyPlayer online hub, “The Neighborhood.”
Players, meanwhile, have been seen assembling in the Neighborhood’s park, dawning yellow Los Angeles Lakers gear while marching together around the courts.
Born in Philadelphia and drafted to the NBA directly out of Lower Merion High School, Bryant enjoyed a 20-year professional career (all with the Lakers), where he established himself as one of basketball’s greatest players ever.
It’s been no secret that theNBA 2Kseries has longbeen a fan of the Lakers legend. He was the game’s cover star for its2K10edition. Then, after he retired following the 2015-16 season, 2K Sports paid tribute to Bryant’s incredible run by putting him back on the front of the box forNBA 2K17’sLegend Edition.
NBA 2K17’sMyCareer mode also featured a touching intro video that starred actor Michael B. Jordan alongside the five-time NBA Champion, highlighting Bryant’s legacy to set the stage for the one players would build for themselves in the game.
Bryant is survived by his wife Vanessa. They had four daughters together.
