Women’s basketball has made a leap in recent times. One of the prime athletes in the process has been Candace Parker. She became the first female athlete to appear on the NBA 2K cover. Now, with her signature shoe set to release, the Illinois native recently spoke about how Kobe Bryant inspired her.
Parker rose to fame when she came in as the number one overall pick with the Los Angeles Sparks. She then won the Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season. Now, entering her 13th year in the league, she will launch her signature line with Adidas, ACE, in a couple of days.
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Lakers guard Kobe Bryant receives the NBA Most Valuable Player trophy from comissioner David Stern prior to game two of the Western Conference semifinal at Staples Center. (Photo by Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
With Adidas bringing back the Kobe’s, Parker opened up on how Kobe Bryant has always been a major influence in her career.
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Kobe Bryant inspired Candace Parker
When we hear Kobe Bryant, we think of Nike and their deal together. However, the ‘Mamba’ was an Adidas athlete before switching up. Looking at this, Parker has never stepped away from the brand since the Kobe days.
Parker has stuck with Adidas since her days in college. Entering the 13th season with her hometown, Chicago, her ACE collection will be her first signature line with Adidas. Notably, she has been wearing Kobe’s, the ones that Adidas brought back recently.
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(Denver, Colorado Friday, May 29, 2009) Lakers guard Kobe Bryant yells out in frustration after just missing a circus shot against the Nuggets defense late in the first half in game 6 of the NBA Western Conference Finals at the Pepsi Center. (Photo by Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Looking at this, questions about Bryant’s impact on her career came up, and she revealed she is an Adidas athlete because of him. When the question of Adidas bringing back Bryant’s shoes was brought up, Candace couldn’t contain her excitement.
Parker said: “I just remember afro Kobe with those signature moves in Adidas, that’s what I call him. But it’s special because I think you see when, how much detail and love he put into the game. He’s part of the reason why I wear it and represent Adidas because of how much love he had for the game, how much he inspired another generation. And his kids, I want them to know their dad has left a huge mark that will never be erased.”
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BEVERLY HILLS, CA – FEBRUARY 05: Kobe Bryant attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards Nominee Luncheon at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 5, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
It is great to see Parker follow in the footsteps of Kobe Bryant, her mentor. The 35-year-old continues to revolutionize women’s basketball, serving as an impactful ambassador of the sport. Will you buy Parker’s new ACE signature shoes? Let us know in the comments below.
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