Kobe Bryant has officially been named the cover star for NBA 2K21.Officials announced the news today, along with the two pieces of cover art to feature with the game. One for current generation consoles and the other for next-gen consoles.NBA 2K released a statement on their decision in which they say they wanted to pay tribute to the basketball icon's legacy after he was tragically killed in a helicopter crash back in January."Kobe Bryant holds a special place in the heart of every basketball fan," the statement said, per TMZ."Someone who truly left everything on the court, where his achievements range from legendary to seemingly impossible."

The game with Bryant on the cover has been poignantly dubbed the 'Mamba Forever Edition' and the version of the game will also include a range of special features surrounding the sporting legend.

"The Mamba Forever Edition celebrates Kobe's lifelong pursuit of victory and legacy and immortalizes him with two unique custom covers honoring the span of his career," officials added.

"For the current generation version of the game, Kobe is shown wearing #8 - from his days as a bold and brash rookie. In the next-generation cover art, he is shown wearing #24, the number he played his final game in: his iconic 60-point performance."

NBA 2K21 is set to be released in September.