Kobe Bryant Week: Birthday, New Nike Shoe & L.A. Commemoration

It’s good to be former NBA great Kobe Bryant this week.

The legendary guard for the Los Angeles Lakers started out by ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Monday, the same day he unveiled his venture-capital fund with entrepreneur and investor Jeff Stibel. The $100-million fund, according to multiple reports, was created to invest in technology, media and data companies.

Also on Monday, the Los Angeles City Council announced it would declare Aug. 24 as Kobe Bryant Day. The date is a nod to the two jersey numbers Bryant wore during his NBA career, 8 and 24.

With the experience of ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange and the Kobe Bryant Day announcement, Monday’s excitement may overshadow what’s happening for the star baller on Tuesday — his 38th birthday.

 

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Kobe 11 Mambacurial
The Kobe 11 Mambacurial.
CREDIT: Courtesy of Nike.

 

But for sneakerheads and diehard Bryant fans alike, the biggest news about the basketball icon to come out arrived today, with Nike unveiling the latest iteration of his court-ready Kobe 11 shoe, which he wore during his final NBA season. The Kobe 11 Mambacurial, according to the brand, draws inspiration from Bryant’s love for soccer. The shoe arrives in stores on Sept. 8.

Nike Kobe 11 Mambacurial
A detail shot of the Nike Kobe 11 Mambacurial.
CREDIT: Courtesy of Nike.
Nike Kobe 11 Mambacurial
The sole of the Nike Kobe 11 Mambacurial.
CREDIT: Courtesy of Nike.

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