NBA 2K21 Rumors: Shaq Suggests Kobe Bryant Will Appear on New Game’s Cover
When the new NBA 2K game arrives later this year it could have the late Kobe Bryant featured as the cover star. Those NBA 2K21 rumors are according to a recent interview where Shaquille O’Neal dropped some knowledge. Kobe’s former teammate from the Los Angeles Lakers also talked about potential charity or donations from the game.
Shaq backs NBA 2K21 rumors of Kobe cover
NBA 2K fans have been hoping that 2K will do some sort of tribute for the late, great Kobe Bryant. There have been cover concepts created within the 2K community and plenty of commenters on 2K tweets asking for it. Based on Shaq’s comments in a recent Heavy interview with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, it seems that it is a strong possibility.
Robinson asked Shaq if he thought NBA 2K21 should do a special tribute cover for the game with Kobe and give proceeds to Kobe’s favorite charity.
“Yeah. There is going to be Kobe. You don’t even have to worry about that. Definitely going to be Kobe,” Shaq told Robinson. “And I don’t know what they’re going to do with the money, but they’re going to do the right thing. Kobe’s family does the right thing,” he added.
In addition, Robinson suggested maybe the game could include a special game mode involving the late Bryant. Shaq liked that idea as well.
“I think that would be brilliant, the kids would eat it up, he’s definitely a big inspiration to all the kids and an inspiration to my kids. So I’m sure the kids would eat it up…,” Shaq told Robinson.
That seems like a safe bet, and knowing that the money spent on the game would get put to good use through Kobe’s charity would certainly be great to see. One thing is for sure, NBA 2K should do something in the new game for Kobe along with a cover, whether it’s a full mode or new challenges throughout the season.
Other NBA 2K game details
With the NBA season currently on hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, not a lot is known about the next installment. Most likely, there will be one, but without any playoffs, championship, or awards being handed out, it should be interesting to see what NBA 2K21 features.
If Kobe gets an NBA 2K21 cover like Shaq is suggesting, it would likely be a Legends Edition, similar to Dwyane Wade for 2K20. There would also be a standard cover for the game. We have our five NBA 2K21 cover predictions including a few special rookies and top stars in the league.
For an NBA 2K21 release date, that has not been announced. We can look at the past release dates for some help, though. NBA 2K20 came out on September 6, 2019, and 2K19 came out on September 11, 2018. It seems like a safe bet that the game is dropping early-to-mid-September, but stay tuned for the official date.
Visit our NBA 2K news page for more of the latest updates about the game.