Nike Brings Back Kobe and LeBron Puppets to Mark Jersey Retirement

The Lakers just retired Kobe Bryant's No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys. To mark the occasion, Nike revived its beloved puppet campaign from 2009 starring Muppet-like versions of Bryant and LeBron James. In one, seen here, the puppets are lounging on a beach at sunset, sipping coconut juice, and Bryant taunts James about the accolade he just got. "LeBron, I'm saving you an incredible burden," he says. "You should be grateful that you're not retiring two jerseys like myself. Imagine the weight of having two jerseys that inspired the nation, Le Bron. No -- the world." Another spot, "Uncle Charlie," sees him ask "Which Bryant was better?" while a third, "Handicrafts," sees him explain the difference between No. 8 and 24.

Nike Brings Back Kobe and LeBron Puppets to Mark Jersey Retirement

Featured Stories