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NBA 2K20 and its players pay tribute to Kobe Bryant after tragic passing

By Matthew Liebl

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 18: Kobe Bryant speaks to the media at a press conference before his #8 and #24 jerseys are retired by the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 18: Kobe Bryant speaks to the media at a press conference before his #8 and #24 jerseys are retired by the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Following the tragic passing of superstar Kobe Bryant today, NBA 2K20 posted an in-game tribute to the legendary player.

The world is in mourning today with news of the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant. The former NBA superstar and father of four died in a helicopter crash (via TMZ) along with eight other people, including his daughter Gianna.

Throughout the day, Kobe’s millions of fans found ways to pay tribute to the basketball icon. From gathering outside the Staples Center to touching social media posts to emotional montages, Kobe’s legacy was celebrated worldwide.

In NBA 2K20, players were greeted with an image dedicated to Kobe Bryant. The virtual open-world, Neighborhood, has also had its in-game billboards updated to feature the same image from the login screen.

NBA 2K20‘s players are finding their own way to pay tribute in-game as well. The neighborhood streets are packed with players donning Lakers gear and the team’s yellow and purple colors. There are also calls on social media for 2K to make a special Kobe Bryant jersey available in the Neighborhood for free so that everyone can show their support for the player that has impacted so many lives.

Drafted in1996, Kobe Bryant played 20 seasons in the NBA before retiring in 2016. He spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers, repping the numbers 8 and 24. Bryant is a five-time NBA champion and two-time NBA Finals MVP. He’s an 18-time All-Star, two-time scoring champion and former MVP (2008). He won two gold medals with Team USA in the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics.

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As far as NBA 2K is concerned, Bryant graced the cover of NBA 2K10 and NBA 2K17’s Legend Edition. It’s hard to surmise what Kobe Bryant meant to the sport of basketball. Anyone who was a fan of the game recognized his passion, work ethic, dedication and skill. Even if you never watched a single game of basketball in your life, you’ve probably at least heard the name before — probably when tossing a crumpled up piece of paper into a trash can.

I hope 2K does something to forever immortalize him in-game. He was a once in a lifetime talent and multiple generations got to witness his greatness on the court. There’s no doubt he inspired millions of young kids, many of them who now play NBA 2K20 with hopes to one day aspire to his greatness.

Rest in peace, Kobe Bryant.