Nike Welcomes Visitors to LA for All-Star Weekend with Massive Kobe Tribute

Steve Ballmer and the Clippers spent unfathomable amounts of money building a massive new arena in Inglewood, California, to establish a new Lakers-free identity for the team. The Intuit Dome is here, and the Clippers are now hosting All-Star Weekend, but as the celebrations kick into high gear, it is still clear that LA is a Lakers city, and more specifically, a Kobe city.

In a new ad campaign welcoming visitors to the City of Angels for All-Star Weekend, Nike brought out the Mamba Mentality, illuminating the top of SoFi Stadium in Inglewood with the famous photo of Kobe wearing a leather jacket in the locker room holding the Larry O’Brien Trophy, followed by a new take on a classic Kobe quote, “You get out of LA what you put into it.”

After the quote passes, a gold Kobe sheath Nike logo shines bright from the top of the stadium, all the while stadium noises and claps turn into an all-too-familiar “Kobe” chant. The commercial is a nice reminder of who still runs LA, and the subtle jab at The Clippers by setting the spot at SoFi, directly next door to the Intuit Dome, was a nice touch.

We’ll be in Los Angeles all weekend, keeping you up to date on the latest All-Star events, exclusives, and surprise drops, so make sure to tap in with us on the Sole Retriever app for all the latest from All-Star Weekend.

Zach Harris

Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com