San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. will pay tribute to the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant by wearing custom-made Air Jordan cleats in Lakers colors during the team’s series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Tatis, known for his flashy style on and off the field, collaborated with renowned sneaker artist SolesBySir to create the unique footwear. The cleats feature a combination of purple and gold, the iconic colors associated with the Los Angeles Lakers, the team Bryant played for throughout his entire NBA career.
The decision to honor Bryant stems from Tatis’ admiration for the basketball superstar, who tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in January 2020. The 22-year-old shortstop has often expressed his respect and appreciation for Bryant’s impact on and off the court.
Tatis’ tribute is not limited to his choice of footwear. He also plans to wear a special edition Kobe Bryant jersey during pregame warmups. The jersey, which features Bryant’s name and number, serves as another heartfelt gesture to honor the late NBA legend.
The series against the Dodgers holds special significance for Tatis, as it marks the first time he will be playing against them since signing a massive 14-year, $340 million contract extension with the Padres. The young phenom has quickly become one of the most exciting players in baseball, and his dedication to honoring Bryant further solidifies his status as a fan favorite.
Tatis’ decision to wear the Lakers-themed cleats and Bryant jersey has garnered attention and praise from fans and fellow athletes alike. It serves as a reminder of the impact Bryant had on the sports world and how his legacy continues to inspire athletes across different disciplines.
The Padres-Dodgers series is expected to be a highly anticipated matchup, with both teams vying for supremacy in the National League West division. Tatis’ tribute to Bryant adds an extra layer of emotion and significance to the already intense rivalry.
As Tatis takes the field in his Lakers-colored cleats and Bryant jersey, he will undoubtedly carry the memory of the basketball legend with him. The gesture serves as a powerful reminder of Bryant’s lasting impact and the influence he continues to have on athletes across different sports.
