The Kobe Bryant farewell tour is in full swing, with teams across the league stepping up with unique tributes to the retiring five-time NBA champ.
The Atlanta Hawks' offering definitely fits the bill when it comes to singular gestures.
The Hawks and Zoo Atlanta announced Thursday that the zoo will rename its black mamba snake "Kobe," in honor of the Lakers superstar who will play his final regular-season game in Atlanta on Friday.
The Hawks also announced they will make a financial donation to Zoo Atlanta in honor of Bryant.
"Kobe Bryant's career accomplishments speak for themselves," Hawks CEO Steve Koonin said in a statement. "He has set a standard with his incredible work ethic, tremendous will and competitive spirit. We're happy to be partnering with Zoo Atlanta to recognize the impact Kobe has made on the NBA and its popularity worldwide."
Zoo Atlanta recently opened a multi-million dollar, 9,700 square-foot complex, "Scaly Slimy Spectacular: The Amphibian and Reptile Experience," which houses the black mamba and more than 70 other reptiles.
"Mr. Bryant is a legend on the court, and the black mamba is a legend in the wild," Zoo Atlanta president and CEO Raymond B. King said in the statement.
Earlier in the week, the Philadelphia 76ers, Bryant's hometown team, created a tribute video highlighting his success at Lower Merion High School, and Julius Erving presented him with a framed high school jersey. The Wizards also honored Bryant during the Lakers' win on Wednesday night:
Nice tribute by the @WashWizards here tonight at the Verizon Center pic.twitter.com/RMF26SasB5
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 3, 2015The Hawks and Zoo Atlanta have certainly upped the ante. It'll be interesting to see what future presents are bestowed upon No. 24 later on the retirement tour.