Nike PH, graffiti trio team up to honor Kobe Bryant in murals


Kobe Bryant mural
Nike Philippines and ARAL Cru -- composed of Bvdot, Cinos and Frank -- honored late NBA legend Kobe Bryant by painting these murals at Araneta Coliseum in Cubao and along EDSA-Kalayaan in Makati,.

Sports brand Nike and a local artist group have teamed up during the Mamba Week, crafting two murals dedicated to the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant.

Nike Philippines and ARAL Cru, a local graffiti trio, paid tribute to Bryant with two separate murals in Metro Manila.

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The first mural can be sighted in front of the Araneta Coliseum, where the five-time NBA champion made his last appearance in Manila.

The painting resembles the colors of sunset, including the Lakers’ own purple and gold, as well as Bryant’s “Black Mamba.”

Kobe Bryant mural

A smiling Kobe at the right side of the wall is derived from his last moments before leaving the coliseum.

It also includes inspirational words that read: “BETTER ME,” “BETTER YOU,” BETTER US” with the hashtag #MAMBAMENTALITY at the center.

READ: Filipino rapper drops song in tribute of Kobe Bryant

The team moved along EDSA-Kalayaan in Makati to paint the second mural, which highlights Kobe wearing his jersey with numbers 8 and 24.

Kobe Bryant mural

Several trash bins were also displayed with the late Lakers star shooting crumpled papers, a usual depiction of his fans while yelling the name: “Kobe!”

Kobe Bryant mural

Artists Bvdot, Cinos and Frank complete the three-man graffiti crew while Kayo Cosio of #HoneycombArts organized and curated the project to culminate Mamba Week with a bang.

Kobe Bryant mural
ARAL Cru members Bvdot, Cinos and Frank
READ: Of murals, jerseys, heartfelt messages and videos: Sporting world pays tribute to NBA legend Kobe Bryant on his 42nd birthday

Bryant, who would have turned 42 last Aug. 23, perished in a tragic helicopter crash last January.

Kobe, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others were en route to the Mamba Sports Academy for a basketball game when the pilot reportedly lost control of the chopper in hilly Calabasas in California.

READ: On Kobe’s birthday, Vanessa Bryant pens this heartfelt message for late husband