LeBron James and Kobe Bryant have won a combined 9 NBA championships between them.

Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and the old Nike commercial (via People and X)

LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, two of the most recognized faces in the history of the sport, are consistently part of the debate about who inherits the legendary Michael Jordan’s legacy. Together, they boast a remarkable nine NBA championship rings. James secured four championships with three different teams, while Kobe achieved four victories with the Los Angeles Lakers.

In 2009, sports giant Nike orchestrated a memorable and distinctive advertisement, bringing together two iconic players. The decision to feature both players, who commanded extensive fan bases, was a logical choice for the commercial.

Throughout the 2009 playoffs, the widely popular “Nike MVPuppets” series (a fantastic Nike commercial series, that envisioned a captivating scenario where Kobe and LeBron coexisted in puppet form) aired on TV, showcasing puppet versions of Bron and Bean (voiced by Keenan Thompson and David Alan Grier, respectively). Airing during the 2008-09 season and extending into 2009-10, these commercials coincided with a fascinating period in both players’ careers. The Kobe vs. LeBron debate reached its peak during this time. Notably, these ads aired when Kobe possessed three championship rings, and LeBron was still in pursuit of his first with the Cavs.

The ad experienced a resurgence in 2017 to commemorate the Lakers retiring the Black Mamba’s jersey number. Videos circulating on social media have evoked a nostalgic sentiment, prompting fans to reminisce about the late Kobe and reflect on the greatness embodied by both players.

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Fans react to seeing Nike’s vintage commercial of Kobe Bryant and LeBron James

The late Kobe Bryant and LeBron James have been involved in a lot of commercials, but it doesn’t beat the impact their MVPuppets commercial had. It resonated with both the young and the old. In the ad series, the puppets engage in banter, playfully teasing each other. Bryant jests about James’ fewer NBA rings, and in response, James humorously retaliates with his trademark “chalk-dust” throw, creating an amusing dynamic. Honestly, this wholesome puppet series served as a fitting portrayal of Bryant and James’ real-life relationship where both players had a good relationship together.
Late Kobe Bryant (Left) and LeBron James (Right) (via People)
Fans took to the popular social media platform, X (formerly known as Twitter) to talk about the resurgent commercial. A couple of some fans’ reactions below:

These two players would be talked about for a very long time and the memory of the “Black Mamba” lives on.