China Pays Homage to Kobe Bryant With New Epic Nike Commercial
By Eric Yee
Kobe Bryant‘s remarkable career with the Lakers is coming to a close and Nike prepared the first sendoff
Kobe Bryant’s brand spans the entire world, and even though he plays in the good ol’ US of A, his popularity may actually be biggest in mainland China.
With only four games and five days left in the Black Mamba’s storied career it is only right that the montages and the thank yous begin to arise especially when it comes to Nike, who deemed April 13, 2016, “Mamba Day.”
More from Lake Show Life
- 4 Disposable Lakers if the team needs to create a roster spot
- Lakers coach thinks Kyrie Irving is Kobe Bryant but shorter
- Latest Kevin Durant report is music to Lakers’ ears for Kyrie Irving pursuit
- Why the Lakers should be jumping at a Julius Randle trade
- Lakers potentially open to trading Anthony Davis if this happens
This newest commercial which debuted in China earlier this week, seems to pull from Kobe’s “Hero/Villain” venture, revolving around the motif of love and hate.
Kobe assuredly had input in the creative process of making this video as it is more like a poem than anything else. Further, Kobe’s farewell tour has shown us a lighter side of himself that we’re not so used to seeing, so it’s nice that he went back to his darker roots in this send off.
Similar to the nature of his new brand, the spot starts with Kobe talking about the good — “Hero.” Love.
"You love me. You love me because I’m Kobe.Because I’m a five time champion. Because I’m one of the greatest to step on the court."
Then in dramatic fashion it smoothly transfers to the “Villain,” the hate.
"But you shouldn’t, you should hate me.Hate me because I gave you 4AM. Because I pushed you when no one else would.Hate me because I demanded greatness. Greatness demands everything.Love me when you become greater."
It is amazing to think that it’s all come down to this. All the buckets, all the rings, all the memories, down to four more games in the league.
Based on the hype Nike has created for Kobe Bryant’s last game, it will be interesting to see how he handles his last moment. I, for one, will greet it with waterworks.
Next: In Regards to the Lakers Front Office Failures...
Be sure to tune in on Wednesday, April 13 at 7:30 to catch your last ever glimpse of the Black Mamba in action.