The life and legacy of Kobe Bryant is celebrated in many ways. Among the most notable are collaborative efforts between Nike and the NBA.
Bryant was one of Nike's most notable signature athletes, with 11 iterations of his signature sneaker released during his playing career. The brand has posthumously released retro versions of Bryant's signature shoe and, ahead of Bryant's birthday, will celebrate the legend on the NBA App.
On Aug. 22, the NBA App will be home to a special stream of its "Air Time" program, which gives fans the opportunity to watch basketball "the Nike way."
Air Time, but make it Mamba 🐍
— Nike Basketball (@nikebasketball) August 14, 2024
We’re watching hoops the Nike Way as we celebrate Kobe’s legacy and revisit four of his greatest performances. Make sure you’re locked in on August 22 at 5pm PST by connecting your Nike and NBA accounts.
Here's everything you need to know about "Air Time" and how the program will honor Bryant.
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What is Nike Air Time stream?
Introduced during the 2023-24 NBA season, Nike Air Time served as an alternative broadcast for two games during the regular season.
With Alexis Morgan and Jamiersen Green hosting, streams feature guests who speak on and celebrate basketball culture. From other athletes and coaches, the panel discusses Nike products while weaving in stories about the history of the game and the specific game at hand.
The stream also provides those who tune in with special opportunities to purchase Nike products.
During the season, Nike Air Time began with a celebration of the NBA's City Edition jerseys during an In Season Tournament game between the Bulls and Celtics. The second stream came during the March meeting between the Raptors and Suns and celebrated the release of Devin Booker's first Nike signature shoe.
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How Nike Air Time stream will honor Kobe Bryant's legacy
The Aug. 22 edition of Air Time will focus on four of Bryant's greatest NBA performances while wearing the Swoosh. Among them are his 81-point game, Game 5 of the 2009 NBA Finals and Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals.
Knicks guard Jalen Brunson is a confirmed guest for the stream. Fittingly, Brunson dazzles the Madison Square Garden crowd while wearing Kobe's signature shoes.
In addition to the release of the Kobe 9 Elite Protro in a "Halo" colorway on Bryant's birthday, the basketball world will celebrate Mamba Day on Aug. 24, as the date (8/24) features the numbers Bryant famously wore during his time as a Laker.
With Air Time running on Aug. 22, it's a week-long celebration of the legend.
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How to watch Nike Air Time stream celebrating Kobe Bryant
- Date: Thursday, Aug. 22
- Time: 8 p.m. ET | 5 p.m. PT
- Live stream: NBA App
The Kobe-centric Air Time stream can be found on the NBA App on Thursday, Aug. 22 at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT).
