The Black Mamba was created for Michael Jordan before Kobe Bryant made it legendary originally appeared on The Sporting News.

In late 2002, Nike began creating a global campaign featuring the black mamba -- and presented it to an NBA superstar. That star was not Kobe Bryant.

NBA legend Kobe Bryant lived up to the ‘Black Mamba’ nickname, but another basketball great was originally supposed to own it ...

An ESPN report reveals Nike originally pitched the “Black Mamba” campaign to Michael Jordan in 2003 before Kobe Bryant made it iconic. Explore the stunning what-if scenario that could have reshaped ...

The Black Mamba went green for Christmas and changed the sneaker game forever. Kobe Bryant’s Nike partnership produced some of the most iconic signature shoes of all time, but nothing compares to the ...

Kobe Bryant's iconic NBA nickname was supposed to be given to Michael Jordan, though the NBA legend opted not to take the ...

Before Kobe Bryant was known to all as "The Black Mamba," Nike intended for Michael Jordan to wear the moniker in 2003.

Michael Jordan’s fear of snakes led Nike to abandon a black mamba campaign, paving the way for Kobe Bryant to define the ...

Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant was on the minds of many this past weekend. Bryant’s birthday was Saturday, Aug. 23 and Mamba Day was Sunday, Aug. 24. Mamba Day is an annual day of remembrance ...

Nick Goepper was born deep in Indiana Pacers territory. But the three-time Olympic freestyle skiing medalist compares his work ethic to a legendary Los Angeles Laker. “When it comes to skiing, there's ...