NEW YORK – A day after posting on social media that he would like to see the NBA logo change from Jerry West to Kobe Bryant, Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving reaffirmed his position and said that it’s good if he’s the leader of the conversation.
“We want to set a standard and a precedent, as is excellence,” Irving said Thursday after the Nets defeated the Orlando Magic 129-92. “Kobe Bryant. Logo. Yes. It has to happen. I don’t care what anyone says.”
In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Irving posted a photo with a modified NBA logo, with Bryant replaced with the middle figure with this caption: “Gotta Happen, idc what anyone says. BLACK KINGS BUILD LEAGUE ”.
Vanessa Bryant, Kobe Bryant’s widow, shared Irving’s post in her Instagram story with the caption “Love this. @KyrieIrving ”.
Irving said Thursday night: “I want this to be something in history that changes forever, that our generation was part of that change. And if that means I have to lead this and make the conversation work, then great. ”
In 2017, West told ESPN’s The Jump that while it’s “flattering” to be described as a league symbol, “I think if I were the NBA, I’d be embarrassed.” I don’t like to do anything to draw attention to myself. If he wanted to change it, I would want him to do it. In many ways, I would like to do it. “
Irving said he understands that his proposal does not appeal to everyone.
“I know she’s probably met some people who love her – who love the idea – and some people who don’t love her,” Irving said. “But my thing is to pay homage to the example set by that man.”
Since Bryant’s death in a helicopter crash in January 2020, the idea of changing the logo to Bryant’s silhouette has gained attention. A change.org petition in support of the idea has garnered 3.2 million signatures since early 2020. NBA logo creator Alan Siegel – current CEO and president of Siegelvision’s brand identity and communications consulting firm – said then Newsweek, “It ‘s pretty clear that [Bryant] has been a highly respected figure by players around the world and this is a really serious thing that should be considered by the league. “
Irving said Thursday that, claiming to make Bryant look like the logo, he does not intend to despise any of the other players who have had significant impacts on the league.
“I think it’s worth it,” Irving said. “I think his family deserves this. I think we deserve to see the greatness personified as Mamba. And anyone who comes to the league should know that this is the example.”
ESPN’s Arda Ocal contributed to this report.