The NBA's most popular video game is honoring Kobe Bryant in a BIG way ... making him a cover athlete for the 2021 edition of the game.
Officials at NBA 2K made the announcement Thursday ... revealing two pieces of art -- one for current gen consoles and one for next gen consoles -- for cover options for the 2K21 game.
In a statement released by the company ... they say they wanted to pay tribute to the Lakers legend for the legacy he left after he tragically passed in a helicopter crash back in January.