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Kobe Bryant and LeBron James in puppet form was something no one knew they needed until Nike released the “MVPuppets” in 2009. Since then, it has become one of Nike’s most popular campaigns to date, with the fan-made compilation of the commercials reaching over two million views.
In honor of Bryant’s jersey retirement(s) taking place at halftime on Monday, Nike brought the MVPuppets for THREE new videos and they could not be better.
A lot has changed since the commercials debuted in 2009. Bryant is now a filmmaker/screenwriter/entrepreneur, as joked about in the above videos, while James is now a three-time NBA champion.
While the two never met in the Finals, like many fans had hoped, the commercials building up the hype were just as memorable. The Los Angeles Lakers will retire both of Kobe’s jerseys, No.’s 8 and 24, at halftime vs. the Golden State Warriors. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. PST.