NBA Unveils New All-Star Trophy Design Honoring Kobe Bryant
The National Basketball Association, better known as the NBA, has unveiled its reimagined All-Star trophies, including one for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in honor of Kobe Bryant.
According to CNBC, the award had been renamed shortly after Bryant’s death in 2020, though this is the first time anyone has gotten a look at the trophy’s updated design.
The Kobe Bryant trophy now features an eight-sided base that pays homage to Bryant’s original Number 8 jersey, which he donned in high school. It calls back to his All-Star Game MVP performances, in particular his first in 2002, in which he scored 31 points in Philadelphia.
Additionally, the prize pays tribute to Bryant’s iconic number 24 Lakes jersey, the number 10 jersey he wore for Team USA, his five NBA championships, and two NBA MVP awards.
Alongside the brand-new MVP trophy, other trophies that underwent redesign include the Slam Dunk Contest, Skills Challenge, and Rising Stars competition. The game tapped on the artistry of Victor Solomon, known for creating luxury hand-crafted basketball hoops.
“Redesigning the All-Star trophies gave us a special opportunity to create event awards worthy of the energy and excitement the moment creates, while introducing the full collection’s visual, aesthetic language,” said Solomon.
The 2022 All-Star Game will take place on February 20 in Cleveland.
