On this day, a legend was born. Kobe Bean Bryant spent his entire NBA run with the Los Angeles Lakers and we got to witness the epitome of relentless drive throughout his decorated career. While the world tragically lost him, his daughter, and other passengers on a helicopter flight in January, his memory and legacy shines bright and lives on. Kobe didn’t just show us how hard work equates to continuous success, but that passion can fuel a purpose that impacts the entire world. His highlight reel captured numerous milestones, but his ripple effect of determination influenced his peers, his friends, and especially the youth he worked with. Kobe loved his family first, and he loved the game of basketball with just as much heart.

Kobe was not only competitive on the court, but even in footwear design. Aspiring to put in 110% in everything he did, he also pushed Nike Basketball to support elevation in sports through innovation in the design lab. In paying tribute to arguably one of the greatest players of all time, Nike Basketball kicked off Kobe’s birthday with a seasonal footwear collection and special edition jersey. The Mamba Week capsule includes a variety of the Kobe V Protro silhouette with colorways making them extra special.

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“The beauty of basketball, for me, is that it's a sport you can never perfect. What made Kobe great was that he wasn't scared to try new things, because that risk of failure is where you grow. Kobe tried to perfect everything about his game, from the way he played to the way he approached the game.”

Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty

Even after Kobe retired from the LA Lakers, he continued to instill his Mamba Mentality into the young girls that he coached (which included his beautiful daughter Gianna). During interviews, Kobe’s eyes would immediately light up with adoration wrapped in his passion to teach these young women the game. His love letter to basketball was the common thread as he lived and breathed it from a young child himself.

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Nike noted that the Mamba Mentality will continue through Nike Basketball:

“During Mamba Week, Nike will champion Kobe’s legacy and the Mamba Mentality that so fittingly represents the athlete and the man through three key efforts: providing a $1 million donation to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, amplifying Kobe’s message through the Mamba League and extending Kobe’s legacy of inspiration and innovation through select Kobe products.”

While the Kobe V Protro ‘Big Stage’ sold out instantly, be on the lookout for the other pairs releasing below. You can click each shopping button below to get more details: