“Chinese Kobe Bryant” Makes Thousands Impersonating The Basketball Star

The art of impersonation has existed for years, with many of the best being able to turn their resemblance to a star into a money-making career.

One Chinese man recently gained attention for impersonating an unexpected American celebrity and athlete — Kobe Bryant.

Kobe Bryant | @kobebryant/X

In 2020, American basketball player and NBA legend Kobe Bryant passed away following a helicopter accident. Bryant’s long-career and success-filled career spanning two decades resulted in the athlete having a massive fanbase worldwide.

This includes China, where Bryant visited yearly to greet fans.

| AP

This is likely how 21-year-old influencer Ma Jinghui was able to amass a huge following after trying to impersonate the basketball legend. Ma initially began as a video game streamer and had a few thousand followers when someone pointed out his resemblance.

Ma Jinghui | 云南阿辉/Douyin

After that, Ma shaved his head and began streaming while wearing a Lakers jersey. For these streams, Ma apparently uses make-up to make his skin appear darker (something that could be considered blackface) and speaks with a basketball in hand.

| 云南阿辉/Douyin

Videos on his account show Ma in his impersonation outfit playing basketball, and in more recent clips, it appears he has toned down or stopped using makeup. Ma, a basketball fan, is one of the thousands that idolized Bryant.

[Video could not be displayed]| 云南阿辉/Douyin [Video could not be displayed]| 云南阿辉/Douyin

His impersonation was successful, as he gained over 500 thousand followers and made 80,000 yuan (11,050 USD) in less than two weeks.

[Video could not be displayed]

Following complaints about his physique, Ma reportedly began a fitness regime, showing he plans to continue this impersonation for the foreseeable future.

I hope to earn more money, buy a car for my dad and get my sister a new phone.

— Ma Jinghui

This is certainly one way to show admiration for a beloved star!