Kobe Bryant blows into town today for Mamba gig

NEWLY retired NBA superstar Kobe Bryant returns to Manila today for a two-day visit as part of his Mamba Mentality Tour organized by global sports apparel giant Nike.

It will mark Bryant’s seventh visit to the country and his first since ending his legendary 20-year playing career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Bryant retired at the end of the NBA regular season last April, after leading the Lakers to five championships.

For his latest trip to this basketball-crazy country, Bryant hopes to inspire young ballers to embrace the Mamba Mentality, a philosophy stemming from his aspirations of chasing perfection through hard work, resilience and passion for the game.

One of the tour’s highlights is the Mamba Mentality Night at 4 p.m. today which will highlight the legacy of the star’s career at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Bryant is also presiding over the Kobe Academy on Sunday, when selected players from a pre-camp will showcase their skills for the basketball legend.