As promised, NBA 2K has revealed its final cover for NBA 2K21 today, giving the honor to the late Kobe Bryant. Bryant joins Zion Williamson and Damian Lillard as the three cover stars for the new video game.
Bryant is highlighted on two Mamba Forever Edition covers celebrating his legacy. The current-generation cover finds Kobe in his number 8 jersey, while the next-generation cover is a nod to his time spent wearing number 24.
Zion Williamson was announced yesterday as the second NBA star to cover NBA 2K21, following Damian Lillard.
"It's one of those emotions I'm still processing," Williamson told The Undefeated's Marc J. Spears after gaining the recognition while currently in his first NBA season. "It's a dream come true. At those AAU tournaments, you're looking at the cover thinking, 'That's gonna be me.' For it to happen that fast, it's a huge honor."
Williamson's cover is for the next-generation systems in the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, while Lillard's cover is for the current-generation systems.
Damian Lillard was announced as the first cover athlete for NBA 2K21 earlier this week. Lillard was in scorching form just before the NBA was suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Portland Trailblazers star is averaging 28.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game so far this season, and is looking to lead the Blazers into the playoffs when the NBA resumes in Orlando, Florida later this month.
In addition to being a bonafide superstar on the court, Lillard has grown into a leader off of the hardwood — in regards to both social and basketball issues. Lillard is also a recording artist — his alias is DAME D.O.L.L.A. — and NBA 2K games are known for their soundtrack, so this is a match made in basketball heaven.
Lillard previously appeared on the cover of NBA Live 2015.
NBA 2K21 releases September 4 for PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC, and Google Stadia. The game will also be available for PS5 and Xbox Series X. You can pre-order NBA 2K21 now.
