Kendrick Lamar Pays Tribute to Kobe Bryant in Nike Ad

Mamba forever.

On what would have been Kobe Bryant’s 42nd birthday, Kendrick Lamar celebrates the Mamba Mentality by narrating Nike’s new film Better. The 90-second ad highlights Kobe’s relentless drive and constant push for progress, whether a better teacher, a better teammate, a better loser, a better winner, and better father, as seen through images of Kobe and his daughter Gianna.

“Kobe taught us to be better,” says Kendrick. “Just be better.”

The powerful visual ends on an emotional note with footage from the final game of the Black Mamba’s legendary career. “Mamba out,” he says as the crowd chants his name.

Kobe described his Mamba Mentality by saying, “It’s to constantly try to be the best version of yourself. It’s a constant quest to try to be better today than you were yesterday.”

Fans and friends continue to celebrate the Mamba Mentality. Kobe’s wife Vanessa paid tribute to her late husband on his birthday with a touching tribute.

“Thank you for growing up with me and teaching me how to be strong,” she wrote on Instagram. “God I miss you both so much. Our lives feel so empty without you and Gigi. I’ve been completely broken inside. As much as I want to cry, I put a smile on my face to make our daughters days shine a little brighter. I’m not the strong one, they are. They’re strong and resilient. I’m sure you’re proud of them.”