[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Since the tragic helicopter crash on January 26, 2020 that claimed the lives of 9 people, including the iconic Los Angeles Lakers basketball player : the great Kobe Bryant, Nike has been shaking up its release schedule and seemed to be looking to make a tribute pair. It was during the All-Star Weekend that this project was unveiled. Indeed, the Anthony Davis pivot arrived on the floor wearing a variation of Kobe’s signature model in the colours of his club : the « Nike Kobe 5 Protro Lakers ».
After the return of the Kobe 5 « Chaos » since January, a Kobe 5 mixing white and gold colorways was to follow one month later, a Kobe 5 mixing white and gold colours reminiscent of the model worn by the Black Mamba during the Finals. This pair was due to be available on February 7th to honour Mr Bryant’s latest title. However, the fate of the legendary player decided otherwise…
Eagerly awaited, the Nike Kobe 5 Protro Lakers comes with a simplified vamp construction.
The patent upper is made of synthetic materials in the famous Laker « Court Purple » colour. The matte black inserts and a print in the same colour and in a snakeskin style, reminiscent of the nickname Black Mamba, are found on the heel counter. The contours of the different parts and the swoosh are finely outlined in « University Gold » (yellow gold), another emblematic colorway of the L.A. club. On the patent black heel, Kobe Bryant’s signature is highlighted by its yellow colour. The tongue combines the purple colour on the outside, on which the metallic Kobe logo shines, and yellow on the inside. The laces are presented in purple, but it’s expected that the sneaker will also come with a pair of gold yellow laces. The graphics representing the characteristics of the Californian city and decorating the insole can be seen all the way up to the collar of the shoe. The whole is based on a white midsole and an icy translucent outsole.
The release of the « NIKE KOBE 5 PROTRO LAKERS » tribute pair has been postponed since the date originally announced. According to the latest information, it should finally be available on May 16, 2020 at Nike retailers such as Sneakersnstuff for €180.
Given the excitement around Kobe products, stay tuned for this legendary release !
Rest in peace Gigi and Black Mamba.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”31584″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
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