'NBA 2K17' cover, release date news: next iteration to feature Kobe Bryant, Slam Dunk 2016 winners

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Expect to see Kobe Bryant's greatness and some of the best slam dunk moves in "NBA 2K17," as 2K Games will include the league's top dunkers in the upcoming game.

Forbes revealed that the game studio tapped Minnesota Timberwolves' guard Zach LaVine and Orlando Magic's forward Aaron Gordon to record their high-power dunks for "NBA 2K17." Both players stood out during the 2016 NBA Slam-Dunk Contest, which LaVine won for two consecutive times.

The publication spotted the post of the NBA 2K community social media manager Ronnie Singh on Twitter, showing some behind-the-scene photos and videos of LaVine and Gordon's slam dunk shots while wearing their motion-capture suits.

Meanwhile, the upcoming "NBA 2K17" is reported to come out in two different editions. The first one is the regular edition, while the other one is called the "NBA 2K17: Legend Edition," which will feature Kobe Bryant on the cover.

The cover will feature Bryant in three different poses. The left image shows the two-time NBA Finals MVP celebrating the championship win of the LA Lakers, while the right photo captures one of his legendary jump shots. In the middle of the cover, the Black Mamba is seen raising his hand as he says goodbye to the league as he retires from the sport this season.

This will also come with several Kobe-inspired goodies, including a limited-edition Kobe poster, a Black Mamba game controller skin, and two Kobe Panini playing cards. It will also come out with other digital contents, such as:

  • 30,000 Virtual Currency
  • MyTEAM Bundle (includes 3 packs with guaranteed Kobe limited use card)
  • Nike Kobe 11 retirement shoes
  • Kobe #8 Mitchell and Ness jersey
  • Kobe hoodie

The regular "NBA 2K17" will be sold for $59.96, while the "NBA 2K17: Legend Edition" can be purchased for $79.98. Pre-orders for the game already began in the official 2K Games website, while the game's official release date is expected to be released soon.