Before Kobe Bryant was known to all as "The Black Mamba," Nike intended for Michael Jordan to wear the moniker in 2003.

Michael Jordan’s fear of snakes led Nike to abandon a black mamba campaign, paving the way for Kobe Bryant to define the Black Mamba.

Black Mamba became more than a nickname — it became a movement. It defined Kobe Bryant’s edge, his obsession, his refusal to bend.

Kobe Bryant's iconic NBA nickname was supposed to be given to Michael Jordan, though the NBA legend opted not to take the ...

Kobe Bryant’s “Black Mamba” moniker has become one of the most popular nicknames in sports history, but it was originally meant to be Michael Jordan’s. An ESPN story confirmed a longstanding rumor ...

An ESPN report reveals Nike originally pitched the “Black Mamba” campaign to Michael Jordan in 2003 before Kobe Bryant made it iconic. Explore the stunning what-if scenario that could have reshaped ...

Michael Jordan was originally pitched “Black Mamba” nickname during Air Jordan 19 campaign before it became synonymous with Kobe Bryant.

Back in 2002, Nike created a whole campaign around Michael Jordan and the black mamba, only to learn MJ hates snakes ...

Throughout Kobe Bryant's legendary NBA career, he became known as the "Black Mamba". A black mamba is a highly venomous snake ...