Charlotte Hornets swingman Gordon Hayward has been playing in shoes honoring Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
Hayward has been sporting his signature Anta Hayward 2s, but this pair has an ode to his personal link with Bryant. The snakeskin shoes (a nod to the “Black Mamba”) feature No. 24 on the heel, and the word “Remember” is stitched across the midfoot.
The laces also reiterate the last two sentences of an Instagram post Bryant made following Hayward's horrific leg injury in 2017.
Gordon Hayward has been playing in a snakeskin GH2 honoring Kobe Bryant, with 24 on the heel & “Remember” across the midfoot.
The laces include the last two sentences from Kobe’s Instagram post encouraging Gordon after his 2017 injury.
Hayward faced Kobe in his last NBA game. pic.twitter.com/SzHwzLvxd3
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) February 1, 2021
Numerous players around the NBA have had their own ways of memorializing Bryant, who–along with his daughter, Gianna, and seven others–died in a tragic helicopter crash just over one year ago. Hayward is among them, emphasizing his own connection to Kobe.
Bryant would likely be proud of Hayward silencing the doubters this season.
The Hornets came under plenty of scrutiny after signing Hayward to a four-year, $120 million contract during free agency. At his best, Hayward is a talented offensive playmaker who can be a secondary ball-handler while also spacing the floor and playing strong wing defense. But his recent injuries seemed to heap skepticism on his status last fall.
However, Charlotte's gamble in Hayward has paid off, at least thus far. The 30-year-old is averaging 23.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists per contest. Hayward is shooting 50 percent from the floor on a career-high 16.8 field goal attempts, including 42.7 percent from beyond the arc. The Hornets, meanwhile, are seventh in the Eastern Conference after a 9-11 start.
Hayward is playing at a high level and also drawing inspiration from Kobe as he looks to lead Charlotte to the playoffs.
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