NBA 2K21: 10 Things We Already Know

While Damian Lillard and Zion Williamson will be the cover stars for the current-gen and next-gen versions of the game respectively, Kobe Bryant will also don the cover for a special edition of the game in memory of the basketball legend.

After the tragic passing of Bryant, his daughter, and a number of other individuals in a helicopter crash this past January, NBA made the decision to honour the former Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard with this year's collector's edition, titled Mamba Forever Edition in memory of Kobe's 'Black Mamba' moniker.

Keeping with the Lakers theme, the edition comes in a purple and yellow colour scheme, the colours sported by the five-time NBA Champion for two decades. Amassing a total of 33,643 points throughout his career (fourth highest point scorer of all-time behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, and LeBron James), Kobe's presence on the cover may invite in more seasoned basketball fans who perhaps aren't too acquainted with the current crop of basketballers.

Those who purchase the Kobe edition of NBA 2K21 will be treated to some rather handy perks with regards to the game's various modes, including a standard copy of the game for either of the next-gen consoles upon their release.