Lakers look to close out Heat with Black Mamba jerseys

The Los Angeles Lakers are set to wear the Kobe Bryant-inspired Black Mamba jerseys for the potential title-clinching Game 5 on Friday, October 9 (Saturday, October 10, Manila time), the team announced.

Friday. pic.twitter.com/6FO659Lm0Y

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 7, 2020

The Lakers were originally scheduled to wear the Black Mamba jerseys in Game 2 and Game 7 of the NBA Finals, but the Lakers have decided to also wear them for Game 5. 

The Lakers have decided to wear the Mamba jerseys on Friday night. Originally were scheduled to wear them in Game 2 and Game 7.

They'll still wear them in Game 7 if it happens. Not in Game 6, if that happens; Heat would be in black for that game.

— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) October 7, 2020

The Lakers are currently undefeated at 4-0 this postseason when wearing the Black Mamba jersey, a black uniform with a gold trim and a subtle snakeskin pattern.

It’s a tribute to the Lakers legend Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash along with his daughter Gianna and 7 others in January. 

The last time the Lakers donned the Black Mamba jerseys, LeBron James and Anthony Davis scored 33 and 32 points, respectively, to guide the Lakers to a 124-114 victory over the Heat in Game 2 of the best-of-seven series. 

“It’s always special to represent someone that meant so much, not only to the game but also to the Lakers organization for 20-plus years. For us to honor him, being on the floor, this is what it’s all about,” said James following their Game 2 victory.

“We’re thinking about the Bryant family, Vanessa and their daughters. They’re with us, we’re with you guys. We love you guys and hopefully, we’re making them proud by wearing these uniforms… throughout the course of the postseason.” 

Anthony Davis also noted the impact of the Black Mamba jerseys to the Lakers, who will vie for their first championship since Bryant led the storied franchise to back-to-back title in 2009 and 2010. 

“When we put those jerseys on, we for sure play with extra energy and effort because we know that we cannot lose on those jerseys,” said Davis.

“And so we try to go out every night, especially when wearing those jerseys, and compete to the highest level, and have that Mamba Mentality that we speak about because we know that he’s watching over us and he’s extremely proud of us that we got this far.”  – Martin Mendoza/Rappler.com