Why was basketball legend Kobe Bryant called Black Mamba

Basketball legend Kobe Bryant was also known by the name ‘Black Mamba’. This nickname, like the player himself, gained recognition amongst fans. Here’s why the basketball legend was called Black Mamba

Outlook International Desk

Updated on: 23 August 2023 1:47 am

In the world of sports, few names resonate as powerfully as Kobe Bryant's. A basketball legend and global icon, Bryant was not only known for his incredible skills on the court but also for his nickname, the 'Black Mamba.' But why was Kobe Bryant called the Black Mamba and what does this name symbolize?

The birth of the 'Black Mamba'

Kobe Bryant acquired his nickname, the 'Black Mamba,' during a turbulent period in his life in 2003 when the player was accused of sexual assault. At this point, Kobe was eager to redefine himself and shed the image that had been imposed on him. In his autobiographical documentary titled Muse from 2015, Kobe Bryant disclosed that he conceived the persona of the 'Black Mamba' as a means to cope with the personal challenges he faced away from the basketball court during the years 2003 and 2004.

Inspired by the code name of a lethal assassin featured in Quentin Tarantino's 2003 film Kill Bill, Kobe Bryant embraced this nickname as a means to distinguish between his life on and off the basketball court, as revealed in a 2014 interview with The New Yorker.

In his own words to the magazine, Bryant explained, “The name [Kobe Bryant] just evokes such a negative emotion,” Bryant told the magazine. “I said, ‘If I create this alter ego, so now when I play this is what’s coming out of your mouth, it separates the personal stuff, right?’ You’re not watching David Banner – you’re watching the Hulk, ” Bryant added.

The Black Mamba is a highly venomous snake found in Africa. It's renowned for its deadly strikes, agility, and fearlessness. When we look at Kobe we can see a reflection of his own basketball style – ruthless, precise, and relentless. He decided to adopt the nickname to help him transform into the player he aspired to be.

During a conversation with Ahmad Rashad in 2015, Bryant further explained his inspiration behind his chosen nickname, stating, “When I step on that court, I become that. I am that killer snake. I’m stone cold, man.”