Oscars 2020 Red Carpet: Spike Lee Honors Kobe Bryant With Lakers-Inspired Tux

The death of Kobe Bryant still stings to this day. It signaled the sudden loss of the LA Laker legend that brought so much to the world. His influence went beyond the basketball world and touched so many lives off the court. His Mamba Mentality and love for the game were even the main themes for his Oscar-winning short film, Dear Basketball.

The 5-time NBA champion will surely not be forgotten. His impact is even seen in the ongoing Academy Awards with Spike Lee dressing up to tribute the Black Mamba. He was seen donning the colors of the LA Lakers in his outfit.

The LA franchise was the main theme with his coat, slacks, and hat and even to his glasses that were Purple and Gold. The number 24 was also stitched to his Gucci jacket as a tribute to the late great. He even wore Kobe’s as his shoes to the outfit as a final touch.

Spike Lee has had his share of NBA moments. He is known to be an avid Knicks fan but has shown much respect to the talent across the league. He was the director of the 1998 sports film He Got Game where Ray Allen was cast to portray basketball prodigy, Jesus Shuttlesworth.

Spike Lee has had a great relationship with Kobe Bryant before. When the former league MVP dominated the New York Knicks with 61 points in Madison Square Garden, he spoke to the media saying it was Spike Lee’s fault. He wanted to let the people know that he didn’t want Spike Lee to talk trash about the Knicks as they proceeded to work on their ESPN documentary.

This 2009 ESPN documentary was produced and directed by Spike Lee regarding Kobe Bryant himself. The piece was named Kobe Doin Work and it highlighted the cerebral approach of the 18-time NBA All-Star. It featured clips of the LA Lakers going against then-defending world champions the San Antonio Spurs with Kobe narrating his thoughts.

The touching tribute on the red carpet shows how much respect Spike Lee for the late great Kobe Bryant.