Kobe Bryant Becomes the ‘Black Mamba,’ Wears Special Black Mask to Protect Broken Nose (Photo)

by abournenesn

Mar 6, 2012

Kobe Bryant‘s new protective face mask is apparently undergoing a Black Mamba-style upgrade.

The Black Mamba, as has become Kobe’s best-known nickname, has been sporting a protective face mask ever since breaking his nose during the NBA All-Star game. The new mask has done wonders for Bryant and the Lakers during the current three-game stretch, as Kobe has scored 30-plus points in each of the three Lakers wins.

After Sunday’s big win over Miami, Bryant joked with ABC sideline reporter Lisa Salters about wearing the mask throughout the rest of his career if that sort of production continued. Apparently Bryant may not have been joking after all, as the Mamba had a new black mask specially created for more comfort on his face.

Bryant actually had three new masks made in Detroit, by the makers of Richard Hamilton‘s special masks, and tried each out during warm-ups before the game against the Pistons on Tuesday, according to Basketblog.com.

Rajon Rondo and the Celtics visit Kobe at the Staples Center on Sunday, so Bryant will surely be ready to entertain his Boston rivals sporting his new “Mamba Mask”.

Check out the photo of Bryan wearing the new mask during the pre-game shootaround, below.

Kobe Bryant Becomes the 'Black Mamba,' Wears Special Black Mask to Protect Broken Nose (Photo)

(Twitter/@BG_LovelessCity)

Click here to decide whether Kobe’s mask gives him superpowers for good or for evil >>

Previous Article

Vote: Who Is the Best Manager in the AL East?

Next Article

Bruins Odds to Win Stanley Cup Take Hit With Tuukka Rask Injury, Still Boast Good Odds to Win Eastern Conference

Picked For You