Black Mamba became famous as the self-chosen nickname of Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, inspired by the fast, aggressive snake of the same name. Bryant used the persona to describe a focused, relentless approach on the court, and fans kept the phrase alive in chants, posters, highlight videos and social posts. After his retirement in 2016 and his death in 2020, the name took on a tribute meaning as well, which is why the sound still appears in basketball edits and sports memes today.