During the 2002 NBA Finals, Kobe Bryant wore some throwback jerseys to get inspired (as if he needed it) before every game. The Black Mamba was a fan of these jerseys and wasn’t shy to show them.
In Game 4 of that series, where the Lakers were close to winning their three-peat, Kobe pulled a Michael Jordan jersey ahead of the game. They faced the New Jersey Nets during that series, and Kobe already felt like a winner before the game.
After the game was over, Kobe wore the jersey again. He emulated his idol and mentor by winning three straight NBA championships.
Rare footage of Kobe celebrating with Shaquille O’Neal surfaced a couple of months ago, showing the dynamic duo shaking hands and calling each other ‘greatest’ and ‘most dominant’ before Shaq tells Kobe to take Jordan’s shirt off and wear his own.
“Take that jersey off and put your own jersey, playa,” Shaq said.
“About time now?” Kobe replied.
During that series, Kobe wore a Joe Namath jersey (Game 1), a Jackie Robinson Dodgers jersey (Game 2), and a Wayne Gretzky Oilers jersey (Game 3) before topping it off with Jordan’s jersey and jacket.
