Davido recreates iconic Kobe Bryant 2001 championship photo

Nigerian superstar, Davido has paid tribute to the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant by recreating an iconic photo from the 2001 NBA Championship celebration.

The photo, which originally features Bryant cradling the NBA Championship trophy, has been reimagined by Davido, who posed similarly with a basketball trophy in his arms. The singer shared the tribute on social media on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, demonstrating his admiration for the basketball great.

After the Los Angeles Lakers secured victory in the 2001 NBA Finals, Kobe Bryant was photographed sitting on the bench, cradling the championship trophy in his lap. The image captured a moment of deep emotion, revealing not only triumph but also a sense of sadness and hurt.

Kobe's melancholy stemmed from the absence of his parents, Joe and Pam Bryant, during the series against the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite living in Philadelphia at the time, they chose not to attend his games due to their disapproval of his marriage to Vanessa Bryant, who was 18 when they wed. Joe's objection was rooted in Vanessa's Latina heritage, as he desired an African-American daughter-in-law instead.

Despite these personal challenges, Kobe delivered an outstanding performance on the court during the championship series, averaging 24.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. His emotional journey and the jacket he wore in the iconic shower photo became symbolic of his triumphs and struggles.

Caitlin Clark of the Iowa Hawkeyes' basketball team also recently paid tribute to Kobe by recreating his 2001 NBA title picture after leading her team to their third consecutive Big Ten championship. Clark's homage mirrored Kobe's intense emotional moment, down to the signature Kobe Bryant shoes she wore while breaking the NCAA all-time scoring record.

Fans of both Davido and Kobe Bryant responded positively, appreciating the homage to the iconic sports figure.

The recreation highlights the lasting impact Kobe Bryant had not only on the basketball world but also on popular culture across the globe. Davido's gesture serves as a reminder of Bryant's legacy and the respect he continues to command worldwide.