The Lakers will attempt to finish their title run while wearing their iconic “Black Mamba” threads.
What We Know:
- The Los Angeles Lakers introduced the “Black Mamba” jerseys this postseason as a way to honor the late Kobe Bryant. Since Game 5 is technically a “home” game for the Lakers, they can have their pick of which jerseys to wear and they don’t have to worry about the Heat wearing their black jerseys.
- The Lakers originally planned to wear these uniforms for Games 2 and 7 of each series. None of their series have gone seven games yet, so they’ve only worn the “Black Mamba” jerseys four times. Since Game 5 is a closeout game, they have decided to wear them tonight and hopefully capture a championship in their most meaningful jerseys.
- Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others were killed in the tragic helicopter crash in January. Bryant played 20 seasons with the Lakers and won 5 championships, cementing himself as a Los Angeles legend. He designed the “Black Mamba” uniforms in collaboration with Nike. Vanessa Bryant supported the Lakers’ decision to wear the jerseys tonight on her Instagram story, writing, “Mamba and Mambacita jerseys approved for game 5.”
- The Lakers lead the Miami Heat 3-1 in the NBA Finals and are looking to win it all in Game 5. This would be the Lakers’ 17th championship, tying them with the Boston Celtics for the most in NBA history. This would also be LeBron James’ fourth championship and he has the opportunity to be the first player in history to win a Finals MVP award with three different teams.
The Lakers are undefeated in the four games they’ve worn the “Black Mamba” jerseys and are looking to extend that streak tonight.
