Kobe Bryant
NBA Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant is on the cover of the Standard and Black Mamba Editions of NBA 2K24, released in 2023.
Kobe Bryant is the cover athlete for the Standard and Black Mamba Editions of NBA 2K24, a basketball video game released in 2023 and developed by Visual Concepts Austin and published by 2K. As an NBA Hall of Famer, his image anchors the game's marketing and its Mamba Moments mode, which lets players recreate some of his most memorable and exciting career moments.
- Character Role
- Small Forward / Shooting Guard
- Affiliation
- Los Angeles Lakers (Primary), USA Basketball
- First Appears
- NBA 2K5 (as a playable legend in various modes)
- Status
- Legend / Hall of Fame Icon
- Signature Trait
- Unmatched scoring versatility and clutch performance
Lore & Background
Kobe Bryant's presence in NBA 2K24 is defined by the Mamba Moments mode, the equivalent of the Jordan Challenge from NBA 2K23. This mode allows players to play and recreate some of Kobe Bryant's most memorable and exciting moments of his career. The game's ProPLAY technology, which translates NBA footage into gameplay rather than relying solely on motion capture, was noted by game director Mike Wang as improving animation accuracy for retired or deceased players, making Kobe's virtual movements more authentic.
In Their Own Story
The virtual arena falls silent as the crowd noise fades into a low hum. On the court, the number 24 jersey stands out against the polished hardwood, eyes locked on the rim. There is no hesitation in the movement; just a rhythmic dribble that seems to slow time itself. As the defender closes in, the virtual Kobe doesn't panic. He rises, the ball moving smoothly from hand to hoop with practiced grace. The net snaps, and for a moment, the entire simulation feels real, capturing the spirit of a man who never stopped chasing perfection.
Reader's Guide
Kobe Bryant is featured on the cover of the Standard and Black Mamba Editions of NBA 2K24. The game includes Mamba Moments, a mode where players can recreate some of Kobe Bryant's most memorable and exciting moments of his career. The ProPLAY technology, which translates NBA footage into gameplay, was highlighted by game director Mike Wang as improving animation accuracy for retired or deceased players like Kobe. The song "Roundball Rock" by John Tesh appears in the 1990s (Jordan era) and in scenarios from the 1990s in Mamba Moments, and is part of the 2K Beats soundtrack on the current gen version. The game was released on September 8, 2023, for Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, with an Arcade Edition released on October 24, 2023, for iOS, macOS, and tvOS through Apple Arcade. Online servers were shut down on December 31, 2025.
Did You Know?
- Kobe Bryant is on the cover of the Standard and Black Mamba Editions of NBA 2K24, released in 2023.
- Mamba Moments in NBA 2K24 lets players recreate some of Kobe Bryant's most memorable and exciting career moments.
- ProPLAY technology in NBA 2K24 improves animation accuracy for retired or deceased players like Kobe Bryant.
- NBA 2K24 was released on September 8, 2023, and its online servers were shut down on December 31, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kobe Bryant in the NBA 2K series?
This Hall of Famer headlines the packaging for the Standard and Black Mamba Versions of the 2023 title. He has also been a selectable legend in various modes dating back to NBA 2K5.
What position does he play on the court?
Players control him primarily as a Shooting Guard or Small Forward while representing the Los Angeles Lakers. His virtual skillset highlights his real-world reputation for versatile scoring and clutch situations.
How can players experience Kobe's career highlights?
Users can step into specific historic scenarios through the dedicated Mamba Moments gameplay mode. This section allows fans to relive some of the most exciting plays from his career.
Why was he chosen as the cover athlete for 2K24?
His likeness anchors the promotional campaign to commemorate his significant contributions to professional basketball. The selection honors his status as a legendary icon following his induction into the Hall of Fame.
Does the game feature music from his playing era?
Audio cues include classics like Roundball Rock during replays set in the nineties within Mamba Moments. This detail links his legacy to the presentation style used during that specific decade.
More in Players & Legends
Related in NBA 2K
Links follow this subject's own source article.
Elsewhere in the NBA 2K universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record