In China, 21-year-old Yunnan native Ma Jinghui has become famous for mimicking Kobe Bryant.
Ma has nearly 600,000 Douyin fans, according to SandraRose.com. He wears blackface and Bryant's No. 24 jersey in videos. He reportedly made $12,000 in 10 days livestreaming.
As the “Chinese Kobe Bryant,” he speaks English with his supporters.
SCMP.com claims that Ma was “pleasantly surprised” by his celebrity.
“I hope to earn more money, buy my dad a car and get my sister a new phone,” he added.
“I’m now learning English to better honor Kobe Bryant,” Ma said.
“I want 1 million followers and to live-stream basketball games.”
Bryant's 2000 NBA title established a sports memorabilia record at Goldin Auctions, selling for over $1 million.
Bryant got his first title and ring in 2000 when the Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers. Kobe gave his father, Joe, the ring, who auctioned it. Recently sold for $927,200 USD. Goldin Auctions sold the most costly NBA championship ring, according to HypeBeast.
Goldin stated, “Obtained directly from the Bryant family, this ring is a true one-of-a-kind, and we can confirm that it is the only championship ring ever given by Kobe to his father.”
Social media users slammed Bryant's parents for auctioning his first championship ring.