?Atrocious?: NBA Fans Slam $231 Million Star for ?Disrespectful? Kobe Bryant Inspiration in Newest Nike Venture

The NBA legend Kobe Bryant worked with Nike for his signature sneaker range. While imitation may be a sign of flattery, basketball fans have not liked the “disrespect” that the giant apparel company showed in their newest venture with a rising star. Others even called it “atrocious”.

It has been an exciting time for Ja Morant on the court and off it. His basketball excellence has made him a bonafide superstar. It was only a matter of time before he received his own signature shoe. Earlier this year, Nike signed the $231 million star for this humongous undertaking. With much anticipation swirling around it, fans have been sorely disappointed with one part of it.

Why fans are disappointed by Ja Morant’s new partnership with Nike?

Complex Sneakers shared the signature Nike logo of Ja Morant on social media. Fans reacted to it and said it looked identical to Kobe Bryant’s. Others said that Nike had just inverted Kobe’s design to etch the letters ‘J’ and ‘A’. The letters put together, read the first name of the Grizzlies star. But the design itself eerily resembled that of the Black Mamba’s logo.

Here is how the NBA fans reacted:

https://twitter.com/lavkai_/status/1605393273299693570?s=20&t=7aTX-9iwpaNCuKfwWOuLJQ

While Morant’s logo seemingly is an homage to his name, Kobe’s logo takes on a philosophical one. According to Kobe Bryant, the iconic logo represented a marriage between talent and hard work. The logo was a sword in a sheath.

Read More: Long Before Calling Ja Morant a Young Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O?Neal Heaped the Same Praise on His Son Shareef O?Neal

Recently, Morant was seen sporting black sweatpants and hoodies. And he used the opportunity to debut his official Nike logo.

Kobe Bryant and his Nike partnership:

In 2003, Kobe left another enormous sports retail company to become one of the most coveted free sneaker-agent. He eventually signed with Nike and the partnership resulted in 11 signature shoes. When Kobe Bryant retired in 2016, he extended his contract with the sportswear giant for another 5 years.

After his sudden and tragic demise, the Kobe Bryant estate has been highly protective of guarding both Kobe’s and Gianna’s (his daughter’s) legacy. However, Nike hiked up the price as demand also skyrocketed. This has been frustrating for many basketball fans worldwide.

Earlier this year, Vanessa Bryant confirmed that the partnership will continue. She said, “I am so proud that my husband’s shoes are still the most worn by players on NBA courts and that the demand for his shoes remains so desired by his fans around the world“.

Watch This Story: Wife Vanessa’s Emotional Tribute to Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna on Special Occasion

Perhaps those are the same fans who are defending his logo. Do you also think that Morant’s logo is similar to Kobe’s? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!