Kyrie Irving and Kobe Bryant were pretty tight before the infamous early-2020 helicopter crash that took 9 lives.
After the death of Bryant, and his daughter Gianna, Irving was one of the most emotional players, taking several days to cope with the terrible news.
So, when Irving posted his bid to make Bryant the NBA’s official logo on Instagram on Wednesday, nobody was particularly surprised, and many even agreed.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CLsK4tsnY4P
The current logo features a silhouette of 60s basketball star, Jerry West, who made 14 All-Star appearances and 12 All-NBA teams.
While the NBA has never really considered a change to their logo, few are more qualified to take West’s place than Kobe.
Putting popularity and marketability aside, he was one of the greatest basketball players in history — with 18 All-Star appearances, 2 scoring titles, and 5 NBA Championships. In light of his tragic passing, it would only make sense that he become the new face of the league.
Of course, Kyrie’s push to make it happen did not come without controversy, as it seems he included race in his argument…
“Gotta Happen, idc what anyone says.
BLACK KINGS BUILT THE LEAGUE”
Needless to say, Kyrie struck a few nerves with that statement, as if somehow Jerry West being white means he is any less worthy of representing the NBA.
Still, it will be interesting to see what happens, and if the NBA will give any thought or attention to the “Kobe logo” movement.
