In late 2002, Nike began creating a global campaign featuring the black mamba -- and presented it to an NBA superstar. That star was not Kobe Bryant.
Michael Jordan was originally pitched “Black Mamba” nickname during Air Jordan 19 campaign before it became synonymous with Kobe Bryant.
Michael Jordan’s fear of snakes led Nike to abandon a black mamba campaign, paving the way for Kobe Bryant to define the Black Mamba.
Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan was pitched a black mamba shoe line by Nike.
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Southern California is remembering the late Kobe Bryant in honor of "Mamba Day." August 24 - often stylized as 8/24 - is the day after the basketball legend's birthday and ...