On Sunday, January 26th, the world lost basketball legend Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash, accompanied by 9 other passengers. Unfortunately, his 13 year old daughter, who had dreams of one day playing the WNBA, was among them and perished in the crash as well. Fans worldwide are mourning the icon and sending condolences to his family. 

The 2K Sports team is honoring Kobe Bryant in their own way. The latest NBA 2K20 update went live, featuring a tribute to Bryant. When the game starts up, a black and white photo appears on a banner next to the words “Kobe Bryant 1978-2020”. Simple but somber, the tribute is an acknowledgment of Bryant’s longstanding history with the basketball game franchise and his impact on the basketball world. Bryant has appeared in every NBA 2K game since its inception, and even graced the cover of the NBA 2K17 special legends edition. 

NBA 2K players have paid their respects to Kobe Bryant in their own way, with custom jerseys, win streaks, and even deliberate time clock violations. 

My bro sent me this video of players paying their respects for Kobe on 2k pic.twitter.com/HaHU1wRhKO

— (◡‿◡❀) (@beeniicole) January 26, 2020

Someone online just took a 24 second violation against me in 2K pic.twitter.com/GlN0AoljJo

— ⏰ (@time_shai) January 27, 2020

The 24 second violations as well as the 8 second violations are meant to commemorate Kobe Bryant’s jersey numbers. The 81 game win streak is a nod to his historic 81 point game against the Toronto Raptors in 2006. The basketball world is shocked and devastated by the sudden passing of the future hall of famer, with NBA 2K players coming out in droves to pay their respects in game. Anyone who logs on now can expect to see a sea of Laker jersey’s. 

Kobe Bryant is survived by his wife and three daughters. We at mxdwn Games would like to send our prayers and condolences to Bryant’s family and loved ones as well as all the families of the other victims of this tragedy.