#kobe 8's

[thinkazul]

Vanessa Bryant flexing some dope Kobe's

[screamingforyears]

MINI_REVIEW(s):

The review template of choice for the TL;DR Tribe…

‘ROMANCE’ (@candlepin_records) is the debut LP from @velvetbkny & it finds the New York-based quintet of Byron, Zack, Tyler, Bryce & Matt bringing the six-string slangin goods across an 8-track spread that tenderly wraps their dreamily hazed meets alt_rawking ways under one distortion filled GrungeGaze(d) umbrella as witnessed on the slow_coring “Slowdance.”

‘FAST PAINT’ is the latest EP from @vincent.christ_& it finds the prolific London-based producer/multi-instrumentalist embracing his inner nü_romatic across 3 tracks that revel in their percussively throbbed, sonically surged & sensually saxxed up ways as heard on the new_waving rush of “Rain In Europe.”

‘THE GREAT CALM’ (@piasbelgium) is the latest/greatest LP from @whisperingsons & it finds the Brussels-based quintet of Sander Pelsmaekers (synth), Tuur Vandeborne (drums), Bert Vliegen (bass), Kobe Lijnen (guitar) & Fenne Kuppens (vocals) optimistically charting a new path across 12 tracks that maximize their brand of ambiguously stoic PostPunk as evidenced on the cinematically synth_waving “Cold City.”

‘SPIRITUAL SICKNESS’ is the latest LP from @yeahrs_ & it finds the increasingly prolific Berlin-based quartet of Morgan (guitar/vocals), Tom (drums), Thomas (bass) & Oyemi (guitar/vox) sounding as dialed in as ever across an even 10-track spread that finds the group pushing their post_gazing ways to new heights by adding some passioned screams into their well-worn template of dream_poppin AltRawk as witnessed on “It Never Leaves Me.”

[your-friendly-neighbourh00d-fag]

How about number 8? (An arm sneaking around a waist, holding them close?)

hi nonny! thanks for the prompt :)

here it is 😎 i will also put it under a read more here 😗

It was quiet ‘round the diner, something that didn’t happen often. Jet and Pois had taken The Girl over to the markets, yelling something about an iguana exhibit down in Four. So that left Fun Ghoul and The Kobra Kid, wandering around and doing mind numbing house maintenance and the likes. They hadn’t really talked in a while, just getting on with chores around each other. It was nice for a while, the domestic-ness of it all.

But, as Kobra pulled the laundry basket onto his hip and padded outside to hang it up, he realised how boring it was. Nothing was going on! He missed the race track, the proper heat of the desert, the smell of rubber burning as he fought to escape dracs. The life.

Kobra perched himself on the back of his armchair, flipping idly through a ‘zine. He’d read it before, but whatever. Not like there was anything else to do around here. 

New race gun, seen it. Piece on Dr D, nothing accurate in there, they’d radioed him to laugh about it when it came out. Boobs, whatever. Oh, a bike mod, he’d skipped that last time- Hey!

Ghoul stood next to him, shit eating grin on his face and frilly apron around his waist. Kobra’s ‘zine was now in his hands, held just out of reach. 

“Whatcha readin’, K?”

As he speaks, Ghoul sneaks an arm around Kobra’s waist, squeezing him closer absently as he examines the ‘zine. Any thought of protest, of oi, that’s mine, give it back, dies on Kobra’s tongue. Oh. 

At Kobra’s silence, Ghoul whines, “Aw c’mon babe, don’t be like that!” tugging on Kobra’s midsection until they’re hip to hip.

Kobra inhales sharply, breath hitching in his throat at the contact, whole body tense. 

Ghoul rolls his eyes at The Kid, tossing his ‘zine back at him. “Witch, okay, sorry. You can have the ‘zine.” He drops his head onto Kobra’s shoulder. “I’m sorry, Kobes, I’m jus’ bored.”

A moment passes, before Ghoul registers the fact that the ‘zine still lay on the couch, Kobra had made no motion to grab it back. 

“Hey, shit, ‘s wrong?” He brings his other hand up to Kobra’s cheek, eyebrows furrowing in concern. “Y’mad abou’ the ‘zine? I- I shouldn’t’ve done that mi cielo, I know how much you-”

Wait. Kobra’s cheek was hot under Ghoul’s hand, face flushed almost as dark as his jacket. But why would he- ohhhhh. 

The pieces slotted themselves together, and Ghoul’s brain caught up to his hips, his hands and his face. The touch was so second nature to him, so obvious and natural, that he barely even noticed. But it seemed that Kobra did. 

He quickly pulls his arm away, not wanting to make his partner uncomfortable.

‘Wait, no no no,’ Kobra thinks, panicking at the idea of losing the contact. His waist felt so cold without Ghoul’s arm slipped around it, without their hips pressed together. ‘Come back.’ Kobra grabs for Ghoul’s arm, knuckles tightening around it already. He didn’t mean to hold so tight, but Witch, what was he going to do if Ghoul left?

Their eyes lock, and Kobra draws Ghoul’s hand back to his waist, breath stuttering ever so slightly in the space between them. “N-No, it’s not- I like you being here. Like you… t-touching me, I mean.” Fuck. God, that sounded dumb. That sounded so stupid. “Wait, no, shit, I- I didn’t- I meant-”

“Kobes.” Ghoul grins, stepping up so his knees are on the chair’s arm and he’s facing The Kid. “Why didn’ ya jus’ say so?” He slides his free hand around the back of Kobra’s neck, leaning up until their foreheads press together softly.

“Can you… uh… can we…” Kobra’s voice trails off into Ghoul’s mouth, gasping as their lips find each other. He supposes that the kissing and the holding hands and shit came with the boyfriend title, but every time, it caught Kobra off guard. Every time, it felt new, and exciting and it set his blood on fire. Every time, he had to stop and think- wait, does he… does he like me? 

And every time, his question gets answered, when he pulls away to see the biggest fucking smile on Ghoul’s face, to see him with that adoring look in his eyes, staring almost… lovingly. At him.

“Hey. Hey, mi cielo. Read to me?” 

“Sure,” he whispered.

As Kobra started to read aloud, climbing down from the back of the couch and tangling a hand through Ghoul’s hair, he realised. He wasn’t bored anymore.

[ricisidro]

Well Dasurv! 👏🏻👏🏻

Kobe statue unveiled at Star Plaza outside of the Cryptodotcom Arena, formerly Staples Center, in downtown Los Angeles on 02.08.2024 🥹

The #Legend 's #8 Statue is the pose from the 81 point game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Raptors on Jan. 22, 2006.

#Lakers #KobeBryant #KobeStatue #Mamba #NBA

[cooledtured]

NBA 2K24 Has Arrived: Elevating Gaming to New Heights

NBA 2K24 Has Arrived: Elevating Gaming to New Heights

A New Era Begins: NBA 2K24 Launches Today

The moment basketball enthusiasts and gamers worldwide have been waiting for has finally arrived. NBA 2K24 is the latest release of the popular franchise that players can now enjoy. As of September 8, 2023, the gaming world is ready to embrace the next level of basketball gaming. Let’s explore the incredible features that make NBA 2K24 a monumental release.

Unified Launch Across Platforms: A Shared Experience

Marking a milestone in the gaming calendar, NBA 2K24 has launched simultaneously across various platforms. Whether you’re on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, or PC, the experience is consistent and dynamic.

Unveiling the Future: ProPLAY Technology

NBA 2K24 introduces ProPLAY technology, propelling the gaming experience into uncharted territory. With this groundbreaking innovation, players on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S are in for an unparalleled level of realism. The virtual court comes to life like never before, seamlessly blending the lines between actual NBA gameplay and the virtual world. ProPLAY promises to redefine how we perceive sports simulation in gaming.

Honoring Legends: Kobe Bryant on the Cover

Kobe Bryant, an icon in the basketball realm, takes center stage on the cover of NBA 2K24 for the fourth time. The Mamba Moments mode allows players to immerse themselves in the journey of this legendary player. Following in the footsteps of the highly-acclaimed ‘The Jordan Challenge’ mode, Mamba Moments offers an opportunity to relive Bryant’s most iconic performances, a tribute to his everlasting influence on the sport.

Celebrating 25 Years: Exclusive Anniversary Edition

NBA 2K24 commemorates its 25th anniversary with an exclusive Anniversary Edition, featuring an array of exciting bonuses, including an NBA League Pass. Season 1 introduces the season pass, providing players with an assortment of rewards through both free and premium tracks, offering a diverse range of in-game content to enhance the gaming experience.

Diverse Gameplay and Monetization

NBA 2K24’s MyTEAM mode, MyCareer storyline, and MyNBA offer players diverse and engaging gameplay experiences, complemented by innovative monetization options. The introduction of battle passes adds a new layer of depth, fostering discussions within the gaming community due to the pricing structure.

A New Era of Basketball Gaming

In conclusion, as NBA 2K24 graces our screens on September 8, 2023, the landscape of basketball gaming is forever changed. With the advent of ProPLAY technology, the presence of Kobe Bryant, and an array of immersive gameplay modes, NBA 2K24 is set to redefine our expectations of sports simulation. The countdown to September 8 has ended, and the era of NBA 2K24 is upon us, promising an unparalleled gaming experience that bridges the gap between sports and innovation.

---------------------------------------------

FERNANDO ORTIZ | Writer POP-COOLEDTURED SPECIALIST cooledtured.com  |  GROW YOUR COLLECTION

[90363462]

Kanye West's Donda Academy basketball team dropped from Scholastic Play By Play Classics

The Scholastic Play By Play Classics will no longer be hosting the basketball team from 's Donda Academy, in the wake of the  

In a statement announcing their decision to remove the team from this season's schedule on Tuesday, the Play By Play Classics said Kanye's recent controversial statements and actions violated the values held by their organization.

However, they did have compassion for the team players, calling them 'hardworking student-athletes' who are now having to suffer the consequences of Kanye's actions.

'In light of recent anti-Semitic statements by Kanye West, we will no longer be hosting Donda Academy at this year's Play-By-Play Classics events, including the Kentucky Play-By-Play Classic scheduled for December 11, 2022 at Freedom Hall in Louisville, KY.

'Kanye's words and actions violate our values as a company and a country, and what we seek to ensure at all of our events - a spirit of diversity, sportsmanship, inclusion, equity, and mutual respect.

'While we are firm in our reasoning for this decision, it does not diminish our heartache and regret for Donda's hardworking student-athletes who will lose out the most as a result of Kanye's actions. By all accounts, they are exemplary group of young men. Unfortunately, we cannot in good conscience host an organization founded and directed by Mr. West at our events.'

The organization also provided an updated schedule for the Kentucky Play-By-Play Classic on December 11, with the Donda Academy noticeably absent from the games.

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian's kids attend the Donda Academy

The Donda Doves, the name of the Donda Academy's basketball team, has five-star guards Robert Dillingham and AJ Johnson and several nationally-ranked players on their roster, according to . 

The Scholastic Play By Play has a number of notable alumni, including LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and the late Kobe Bryant.  

It is the latest organization to cut ties with Kanye amid his anti-Semitism scandal, which has also seen his business partnerships with Gap, Balenciaga, and Adidas come to an end.  

David Schwimmer calls out Kanye West's antisemitic remarks

The rapper sparked global outrage after he tweeted on October 8: 'I'm a bit sleepy tonight but when I wake up I'm going death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE.

'The funny thing is I actually can't be Anti Semitic because black people are actually Jew also ... you guys have toyed with me and tried to black ball anyone whoever opposes your agenda.'

The rapper was asked by Piers Morgan on Wednesday if he regretted the tweet and he said: 'No - absolutely not, absolutely not ... I fought fire with fire - I'm not here to get hosed down - that's a different type of freedom fighter.'

Piers Morgan Uncensored: Kanye West makes an extraordinary apology

He later clarified: 'I will say I'm sorry for the people that I hurt. I feel like I cause hurt and confusion, and I'm sorry for the families of the people that had nothing to do with the trauma that I had been through and that I use my platform where you say, "Hurt people hurt people," and I was hurt.'

On Saturday, anti-Semitic banners reading, 'Kanye is right about the Jews,' were hung from a Los Angeles freeway following the rapper declaring war against Jewish people earlier this month.

A group of about five people from the Goyim Defense League, a group that spreads conspiracy theories about Jews, gathered in hats and masks while hovering around a series of anti-Semitic banners on the 405 freeway.

Group members were seen tossing up the Nazi salute as drivers read the signs: 'Honk if you know... Kayne is right about the Jews... GOYIM TV.TV. REV 3:9, John 8:44.'

A number of celebrities reacted in outrage to photos of the racist display on social media. 

His ex-wife Kim Kardashian finally broke her silence on the matter on Monday, tweeting: 'Hate speech is never OK or excusable. I stand together with the Jewish community and call on the terrible violence and hateful rhetoric towards them to come to an immediate end.'

[eiichikise]

【HONEY PRESENTS】

【HIT】

KUSTOM PAINT,VINTAGE&JUNK

VINNY −OKAYAMA- @vinny_s_works

FRAG -HIROSHIMA- @sothingood

DIEGO -KOBE- @diego_kobe

POTS -KOBE- @potsdesign_

IPPOO -KOBE- @ippoo_kobe

HEAVY GAUGE -KOBE- @e.c.inc

Y×S×D -TAKAMATSU- @ys_design_works

HONEY -TAKAMATSU- @take_honey

日時:2024年8月4日(日曜日)

時間:12:00〜19:00

場所:【NEW IHARA SHOKUDO(ニューイハラ食堂)】

主催 @take_honeyの向かい

@new_ihara_shokudou

760-0054

香川県高松市常磐町2-14-1

TEL:087-802-2938

Information/主催【HONEY】@take_honey

#vinny岡山 #frag広島 #diego神戸 #pots神戸

#ippoo神戸

#heavygauge神戸 #ysd高松 #honey高松 #newiharashokudou高松 #kustompaint #vintageandjunk

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 木瀬 英一 (@eiichi.kise)

[cassie-moore]

Unrelated NY call. small town big city. Another one that listened to his early stuff and big fan of harlow syng yea we met her and she kinda sucks…

Wtfffff - no one writes home about her and i dont understand why hes bk to wearing the pants clearly an inside between them. Must be nice to get a free ride and the ability to create inside jokes and things with him…fuck the letter-i dont even care anymore, this outcome would be so different if it were true anyways

Come on out, the storms nice. He could handle it w me. This girl. Naw. Shes weak. Try having to spend three years away from him, buy your own tickets to shows, pay your own way, have him shoo u away to your face…and still support his art.

Thats fucking love.

Unconditional.

Shes too weak to be a champion. Just washes away. Like her fucking drink

Im so aggravated.

M s I tried following through with all of it. But nothing works. My spirit doesnt know whether to cry or scream. Phi phi is gone. Gerald is gone. Im over this chick.

I just want to get to CA.

Have his show in canada 8/23 kobes bday. 24 days after mine.

I still hear kobe saying “the only people i have a problem with in life are people that dont wake up each day and demand excellence of themselves”

This chick doesnt speak that language and im just exhausted of associating her to him

[sportsmediaeportfolio]

WEEK 7 – SELF MANAGEMENT: MOTIVATION AND RESILIENCE

Overall, at this stage of the year, I think I’m not meeting the expectations I put on myself when I first got accepted into Holmesglen. This has ultimately been fairly disappointing, as I was looking to remove myself from habits I built in high school, and create a good amount of discipline for myself in a academic sense. Personally, I believe that work for my regular job and my commentary job have taken up a chunk of time to complete assessments in a timely manner, but my preference of doing other activities with my mates has most likely played the largest role in my low amounts of motivation throughout the first half of my first semester.

I begun looking into solutions for my problem that has largely affected me in not only university, but at school as well. I learnt that yes, removal of distractions such as phones does help motivation, but self-control motivation is equally important, as finding other forms of strategies are more effective in improving self-control and controlling any potential unmotivating behaviour (Casper et.al, 2022). A strategy I was interested in was setting goals, which can simply be completely by using a checklist. Although I haven’t applied it to my studies at this point, I have noticed a higher completion rate of daily tasks when I create a daily goal checklist.

Below is Kobe Bryant, a man I need to take after as he was highly regarded for having one of the most impressive work ethics in the world.

Kevin C.Cox/Getty Images

References

Casper, A, Sonnentag, S, Wehrt, W. (2022). More than a muscle: How self-control motivation, depletion, and self-regulation strategies impact task performance. Journal of organizational behaviour, Vol.43(Iss.8), 1358-1376.

[loganinjapan]

Day 18 ACTIVITIES

I'm in Hiroshima, which is the most west I'll be able to get in Japan on this trip. It's also my final solo excursion for the trip. It's a shame that I won't get to visit Nikko, Hokkaido, Fukuoka, Kumamoto or Akita. I'll have to save those for next trip. The reason I wanted to choose Hiroshima is because I felt it was a very important city to visit as an American. The history regarding WWII and the atomic bomb is a lot, and I feel a lot of people (not just Americans), including myself, aren't aware of the pure scope of what truly happened. I framed my day to go through a journey of hurting, hoping, and healing. - Hurting, as in learning more about the atomic bomb attack and seeing the true effects it had on the people of Hiroshima and Japan. - Hoping, by seeing buildings still standing like the Atomic Bomb Dome and observing monuments dedicated to ensuring something like the atomic bomb attack never happens again. - Healing, by seeing the Shukkeien Gardens and its beauty, a sign that a city can rebuild and regrow, even when faced with one of humanity's deadliest creations. Peace Museum: No jokes here. This was a very somber and sad, yet necessary experience. I got in around 7:45 AM and it was not too crowded, felt very heavy, and it was very quiet. I got through the main exhibitions in about 40 minutes, and I saw a lot of things that opened my eyes and made me feel uncomfortable, which I guess is the point. There was a section that had "Discretion Advised" signs - this was about the reality of the attack and the effects on the citizens. There was a lot to see. Tattered clothes, photos of burned men, women and children, pieces of metal and iron fused together by the sheer heat of the fireball. There were photos of children killed in the attack with their names listed. A tricycle, burned to a crisp, was on display to see. I could hear sniffles from other visitors, and I myself felt like I was starting to get choked up. One can easily say "Just nuke 'em" when faced with an adversary, but your whole perspective changes when you see the effects for yourself. This museum made me reflect on my views on war/conflict. I encourage everyone to visit this museum. Peace Park: After the museum, I took some time to walk around and collect my thoughts. I saw a few monuments and then found a spot overlooking the rivers and the atomic bomb dome. I think I spent about 20 minutes just taking in the scenery? Not sure. I was ahead of schedule (I had planned to go to Hiroshima Castle but it fell through). Eventually, I grabbed some coffee at a small cafe. After a stop at the Pokemon Center to buy stuff, I was off to the Shukkeien Gardens. Shukkeien Gardens: I enjoyed this a lot! There were a lot of scenic spots for photos and I got to see a bunch of carp. Like, a lot! The walk was really nice and it was just a nice peaceful experience. I'd love to return someday. Afterwards, I found a small Anglican church and prayed, then talked with one of the staff member after. I said goodbye to Hiroshima and made my way to Kobe. It's finally time for my Food Frenzy! These restaurants are part of Japan Eat's series in the Sannomiya food street and are highly rated by him. Food Frenzy: - First up is Itiottei, a curry place that Japan Eat gave an S Tier and the #1 spot. I was excited for this, but it turned out to be underwhelming. The tonkatsu was pretty standard and the beef curry didn't shine as bright as I hoped it would. It was still good though. It gets an 8/10. - Next up is Kouyouen, a Chinese restaurant that Japan Eat said had legendary gyoza. This spot lived up to the hype! The gyoza was absolutely delicious and super good. The best gyoza I've ever had. It earns a solid 10/10. - The final spot is Steakland, a touristy spot that serves Kobe beef. I sat down at the teppanyaki grill and watched the chef go to work. My Kobe beef was pretty good! I was pretty full so I didn't need the sides, but they gave me them anyways. I'm gonna give this spot a 9/10. I crashed at the hotel and ended up doordashing CoCo for dinner. Gotta love that curry.

[theultimatefan]

Hall of Fame Pitcher Walter Johnson’s 104-Year-Old Photo-Matched Jersey Brings the Heat at Heritage Auctions in May

Countless offerings among the almost 3,200 available in Heritage’s May 16-18 Spring Sports Catalog Auction could serve as its centerpiece, its highlight — that one thing that belongs in a museum, if not a Hall of Fame. Like, say, the road New York Yankees jersey worn by Mickey Mantle during his final season in 1968, then signed and inscribed to a Yanks batboy. Or the photo-matched road Brooklyn Dodgers jersey Sandy Koufax wore during his rookie season in 1955 when he was not yet known as The Left Hand of God. Or the bat Ty Cobb used in 1922, his third — and final — season as a .400 hitter.

The list of must-sees and must-owns is seemingly endless, whether it’s a box of unopened Fleer basketball cards from 1961-62 or the pair of Adidas Crazy 8’s photo-matched to Kobe Bryant’s first All-Star Game in 1998. As has become tradition, the Spring Sports Catalog Event brims with the jerseys, sneakers, gloves, bats and helmets worn and used by some of sports’ most towering titans, from Willie Mays to Lionel Messi, Reggie Jackson to Gale Sayers, Warren Spahn to Tom Brady, Hank Aaron to Jim Plunkett, Carl Hubbell to Terry Bradshaw. The abundance of photo-matched jerseys in this auction alone qualifies it as historic, as do the cards featured throughout, among them a near-mint 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle, a gem-mint Ty Cobb from the fabled Black Swamp find and the only known Elgin Baylor Topps card from 1969 graded a perfect 10.

But to begin, the relatively plain flannel jersey in this auction — gray, pinstriped, a small “W” stitched into each short sleeve — draws the eye first. It’s also a century-old jersey that still has tales to tell.

Collectors have always known who wore it: Walter Johnson, who spent all of his 21 seasons in the sun as the right-handed hurler for the Washington Senators. Johnson’s name is stitched into the collar in red cursive, just below the A.G. Spalding & Bros. label. We’ve always known, too, when Johnson wore it: during the 1919-1922 seasons, when the man sportswriter Grantland Rice called “The Big Train” was teammates with another right-handed pitcher, Eric “Swat” Erickson, to whom Johnson gifted the jersey upon Erickson’s retirement from the big leagues following his 1919-1922 stint with Washington.

Only days before this auction opened, Resolution Photomatching determined that the “one-time king of pitchers” — as Johnson was called in 1933’s Who’s Who in Baseball – wore this very jersey on April 29, 1920. That’s when the Nationals downed the New York Yankees 2-1 in front of 5,000 at the hallowed Polo Grounds.

Johnson recorded eight strikeouts that spring afternoon in New York, two coming against a newly minted Yankee right fielder named Babe Ruth, who recorded just a single hit (and RBI) against Johnson. The Big Train, who batted last in the Nats’ lineup, also got a hit that afternoon — a triple. In his 1920 book The Home-Run King, Ruth wrote that Johnson was “the best of them all.”

Earlier this month, Resolution photo-matched the jersey to a photo distributed by news agency Underwood & Underwood, whose caption heralds Johnson as “the unsurpassable speed twirler of the Nationals.” The photo also notes that Johnson’s “remarkable speed ball aroused all balldom several years ago” and that he pitched against the Yankees that April afternoon “with the same ‘pep’ that characterized his name.”

Two known Johnson jerseys have survived his storied career, during which The Big Train recorded 3,509 strikeouts (putting him at ninth on the all-time list), 417 wins (the most all-time behind only Cy Young’s 511 victories) and 110 shutout wins (still the record). One, from 1927, is on display at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. The other is in this auction.

“We have had the opportunity at Heritage Auctions to offer some incredible and museum-worthy jerseys over the decades,” says Chris Ivy, Director of Sports Auctions at Heritage. “But this Walter Johnson example, photo-matched to his first dual with the great Babe Ruth in Yankees pinstripes, certainly qualifies it as a cream-of-the-crop rarity.”

[jcmarchi]

NBA 2K24 Removes Collector Level Reward Kobe Bryant At Last Second Sparking Fan Outcry

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/nba-2k24-removes-collector-level-reward-kobe-bryant-at-last-second-sparking-fan-outcry/

NBA 2K24 Removes Collector Level Reward Kobe Bryant At Last Second Sparking Fan Outcry

The late legend Kobe Bryant has served as the cover star for NBA 2K24 and, for many, a strong incentive to reach the top Collector Level in the game’s MyTeam mode. As the NBA playoffs’ first round wraps up, many fans are more disappointed than excited with the most recent NBA 2K title, as developer Visual Concepts has pulled back on a promise made prior to launch. 

In the lead-up to the game’s release date, the NBA 2K24 developer Visual Concepts released a blog post running down the features of its card-collection mode, MyTeam. In that blog post, the developer laid out several features and rewards for the then-upcoming title. It took special care to devote a section to an upcoming Collector Level reward, Kobe Bryant. 

In that post, the developer highlights just how crucial Collector Level rewards are to the overall MyTeam experience. “Collector level rewards have always been important in MyTEAM, and last year the rewards came as surprises with a hidden end goal,” the blog post from prior to launch stated. “So let’s look forward a few months and reveal that Kobe Bryant will be the top reward in the Collector Level, and this reward will be available in April, during Season 6.”

First reported by The Washington Post‘s Herb Scribner, with further reporting done by Forbes’ Paul Tassi, NBA 2K24 has changed its top Collector Level reward to not include Kobe Bryant. Instead, players can now choose from two previously released 100-overall cards. However, according to multiple community members, the most recent 100-overall card, Yao Ming, is not an option for players to choose from.

Centering a Collector Level reward around such an iconic and beloved player likely encouraged many to grind (or spend) to achieve the top Collector Level and obtain the reward. Many players have taken to social media and the NBA 2K Community Discord server to voice their displeasure. As of this writing, neither the official NBA 2K nor NBA 2K MyTeam account has posted anything regarding the situation, and the “developer-supported and community-run” NBA 2K Subreddit contains zero posts about the missing reward. However, the MyTeam Subreddit has multiple player-posted threads regarding the problem.

The only community-facing comment from the NBA 2K team that I have found was posted on the official NBA 2K Community Discord. That comment matches the comment provided to me by a 2K spokesperson when I requested comment from the publisher. You can read the entire statement provided by a 2K spokesperson below.

2K strives to deliver the very best NBA 2K24 MyTEAM experience to the community. Please note that a change to a reward has occurred. Players who achieve a top Collector Level will now receive an Option Pack for two picks out of ten previously released 100 OVR Cards. We appreciate that players have dedicated time and effort throughout the year to achieve this reward and 2K is committed to ensuring players continue to earn valuable content as their reward.

I followed up requesting additional information on why the change was made, but the spokesperson declined to comment further. Some online speculation has posited that licensing issues are to blame, but there is no confirmation or evidence to support that theory outside of 2K’s unwillingness to comment further at this time.

NBA 2K24 arrived on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC on September 8, 2023. While the gameplay is one of the stronger elements of the title, among our reviewer’s chief complaints involved the increasingly intrusive microtransactions that permeate multiple long-term modes within the game. This controversy surrounding one of the most monetized modes does little to refute that criticism. You can read our full review here.

[dan6085]

Here are the top 20 Nike sponsorship deals with details on the amount and number of years:

1. Michael Jordan and Nike: $1.3 billion [1][2]

- Michael Jordan signed a lifetime deal with Nike, earning over $1.3 billion from the partnership.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo and Nike: $1 billion [2]

- Cristiano Ronaldo signed a $1 billion lifetime contract with Nike in 2016.

3. LeBron James and Nike: $1 billion [2][3]

- LeBron James also signed a lifetime deal with Nike, worth $1 billion.

4. Rory McIlroy and Nike: $25 million/year [3]

- Rory McIlroy signed a 10-year, $200 million deal with Nike in 2017.

5. Tiger Woods and Nike: $105 million [2][3]

- Tiger Woods signed a $105 million, 5-year contract with Nike in 2000.

6. Kobe Bryant and Nike: $40 million (5 years, $8 million/year) [3][4]

- Kobe Bryant had a 5-year, $40 million contract with Nike.

7. Kevin Durant and Nike: $8.5 million/year (7 years) [3][4]

- Kevin Durant signed a 7-year, $59.5 million deal with Nike.

8. Maria Sharapova and Nike: Unknown [4]

- Maria Sharapova is the only female athlete on this list, but the details of her Nike deal are not provided.

9. Derrick Rose and Adidas: $185 million (14 years) [2]

- Derrick Rose signed a 14-year, $185 million deal with Adidas in 2011.

10. David Beckham and Adidas: $160.8 million (Lifetime) [2]

- David Beckham signed a lifetime deal with Adidas worth $160.8 million.

11. Steph Curry and Under Armour: $215 million [2]

- Steph Curry signed a $215 million deal with Under Armour in 2013.

12. Neymar and Nike: Unknown

- Details on Neymar's Nike sponsorship deal are not provided.

13. Serena Williams and Nike: Unknown

- Details on Serena Williams' Nike sponsorship deal are not provided.

14. Roger Federer and Nike: Unknown

- Details on Roger Federer's Nike sponsorship deal are not provided.

15. Rafael Nadal and Nike: Unknown

- Details on Rafael Nadal's Nike sponsorship deal are not provided.

16. Kyrie Irving and Nike: Unknown

- Details on Kyrie Irving's Nike sponsorship deal are not provided.

17. Odell Beckham Jr. and Nike: Unknown

- Details on Odell Beckham Jr.'s Nike sponsorship deal are not provided.

18. Megan Rapinoe and Nike: Unknown

- Details on Megan Rapinoe's Nike sponsorship deal are not provided.

19. Naomi Osaka and Nike: Unknown

- Details on Naomi Osaka's Nike sponsorship deal are not provided.

20. Simone Biles and Nike: Unknown

- Details on Simone Biles' Nike sponsorship deal are not provided.

Sources

[1] The 50 Best Nikes of All Time - Complex https://www.complex.com/sneakers/a/riley-jones/best-nike-shoes-of-all-time

[2] Top 10 biggest sports sponsorship deals in history | Pitch https://www.pitch.co.uk/news/the-top-10-biggest-sports-sponsorship-deals-in-history/

[3] Top 10 Most Expensive Nike Shoes Endorsements in 2024: From Kobe ... https://financesonline.com/top-10-most-expensive-nike-shoes-endorsements-from-kobe-bryant-to-tiger-woods/

[4] Nike's Largest Athlete Endorsement Deals - HotNewHipHop https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/646142-nikes-largest-athlete-endorsement-deals

[5] Nike Sneaker Timeline - History of Nike - Fat Buddha Store https://www.fatbuddhastore.com/nike-sneaker-history-i195

[opinionatedmedia]

🗓️ From 2/8/24

🙏🏾 RIP Kobe & Gigi 🕊️

⛹🏿‍♀️⛹🏻‍♀️🏀 FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME - WNBA: Free Agency Chaos? Pt. 2 🏀⛹🏿‍♀️⛹🏻‍♀️

Nick is joined by Opinionated MJ of The Sixth Podcast Of The Year to discuss the drama of WNBA Free Agency, Nneka Ogwumike to Seattle, Kahleah Copper trade to Phoenix, and much more!

🔗📡 https://open.spotify.com/episode/6IyrmX1ZYpp1TziIP5AKpe?si=XGx-99KzT-u0DPBy9CcVGQ 📡🔗

SeatGeek is a proud Sponsor of For The Love Of The Game. To support the show, use code "LOVEOFTGBBALL" to save $20 off your first purchase: https://seatgeek.com

Follow MJ on X/Twitter @Opinionated_MJ and make sure to follow @6thPodOfTheYear as well Follow us on X @loveoftgbball, Nick @NickAndreATR, and become a Patron here: https://vwww.patreon.com/NickAndre

Join Nick on Playback Friday night as he goes live to stream the Los Angeles Lakers face the New Orleans Pelicans: https://www.playback.tv/nickandrefortheloveofthe?s=f3d64f85

#WBB

#WNBA

#WNBAFreeAgency

[stateofsport211]

Kobe Ch QF: Sho Shimabukuro [5] def. Shintaro Mochizuki [2] 6-3, 6-3 Match Stats

📸 ATP Challenger Livestream (via website)

S. Shimabukuro successfully out-paced S. Mochizuki since the beginning of the match and generally appeared almost flawless (despite some hiccups), especially from the baseline. His forehands were effective in neutralizing S. Mochizuki's possible strikes in the second set, as well as passing through the latter a lot as the match went by. Even though S. Mochizuki almost went back to the match at some point, it was insufficient to even secure a comeback, thus explaining S. Shimabukuro's 43% break point conversion rate compared to S. Mochizuki's 14% from 7 opportunities to break.

S. Shimabukuro also appeared more solid on serve. Even though S. Mochizuki fired 8 aces to S. Shimabukuro's 3, the latter still had a 74% first serve winning percentage compared to S. Mochizuki's 58%. On the other hand, S. Mochizuki double-faulted twice more than S. Shimabukuro (5 to 3), fading his second serve winning percentage 10% below S. Shimabukuro with 42%.

In the semifinals, S. Shimabukuro will face the winner between sixth seed Marc Polmans and third seed Luca Nardi, which match is still ongoing as this was written. Knowing both players, this would test their offensive side in addition to the pacing issue as highlighted by this quarterfinal match, while being intuitive could be another thing. Should be an exciting day ahead as well!

[nfkjasfas]

NBA 2K24 is advancing afterwards this year as the latest

NBA 2K24 is advancing afterwards this year as the latest and best immersive accepting into the basal basketball video adventuresome alternation with new immersive technology, adventuresome modes, and more NBA 2K MT Coins. The celebration titles may admission at age-old glance as accepting they don't activity abounding changes.

Yet developers admission added a lot of cogent updates to the attainable archetypal due to it accomplishment the 25th celebration of the franchise. Amidst the changes is the long-awaited and requested crossplay functionality on baddest systems. Accepting 2K is still arid doling out admonition on NBA 2K24, there is a lot of agitative admonition that has already been revealed.

Kobe Bryant is abashed on the accoutrement for the fourth time and is heavily featured throughout the NBA 2K24 gameplay accessory with the new MAMBA Moments accepting and more. These new challenges based on the career of the basketball apologue will accordance players a adventitious to abecedarian added about Kobe Bryant's basketball history and see what it feels like to celerity through the ranks. In accession to MAMBA Moments, the adventuresome includes abounding graphical and gameplay updates and new bureau for players to accessory the sport.

NBA 2K24 will be arise acclimatized on September 8, 2023, for the PS5, PS4, Xbox Alternation X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Pre-orders, including for limited-time acclimatized editions of 2K24, are attainable now.

This year will additionally be the 25th celebration of the NBA 2K abecedarian and appropriately a acclimatized Celebration Archetypal of the adventuresome will be artificial attainable for a apprenticed time that Cheap NBA 2K24 VC offers abounding celebration in the adventuresome as able as a 12-month cable to the NBA Accordance Coulee breath service.