Image via Nike
The legacy of the Black Mamba lives on. On the day that would’ve been Kobe Bryant’s 42nd birthday (Aug. 23), Nike is kicking off “Mamba Week,” a week-long event celebrating Bryant’s Hall of Fame NBA career and beyond.
One way to celebrate Bryant is through the products that he’s helped create, and Nike is dropping wide array of Nike Kobe 5 Protro styles including a "What If?" sneaker pack in collaboration with Undefeated, and the reissue of the Los Angeles Lakers “Black Mamba” City Edition jerseys.
Not only is the Swoosh honoring the Lakers legend through products, but the Nike Foundation has also announced it will be donating $1 million to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation in memory of Kobe, his daughter Gianna, and the seven others who tragically lost their lives in January.
Read on for a complete rundown of what Nike is releasing for this year's "Mamba Week."
Nike Kobe 5 Protro 'Big Stage'
Price: $180
When: Sunday, Aug. 23 at 2:00 p.m. EST
Where: SNKRS and at select retailers
What You Need to Know: This year will mark the 10-year anniversary of Kobe Bryant capturing his fifth NBA title, and to celebrate, Nike is reimagining the sneakers he wore on the court with the release of the Nike Kobe 5 Protro "Big Stage." The shoe combines the original home and away "Big Stage" Kobe 5 colorways but is updated with tattoo-inspired details featuring some of Bryant's notable achievements from the '09-'10 season.
Nike Kobe 5 Protro '5X Champ'
Price: $180
When: Monday, Aug. 24 at 10:00 a.m. EST
Where: SNKRS and at select retailers
What You Need to Know: As a nod to the championship-themed jackets that Kobe Bryant was seen wearing after his second and third NBA championships, this Nike Kobe 5 Protro "5X Champ" wears the Los Angeles Lakers' team colors with a textured purple upper paired with black with gold accents.
Los Angeles Lakers City Edition Jersey
Price: $120
When: Monday, Aug. 24 at 10:00 a.m. EST
Where: SNKRS and at select retailers
What You Need to Know: Celebrating Kobe Bryant Day, Nike is bringing back the "Black Mamba"-inspired Los Angeles Lakers City Edition jersey that was originally introduced in 2017. It dons a tonal black snakeskin print with 8 gracing the front and 24 on the back— the two numbers worn during his Hall-of-Fame career.
Undefeated x Nike Kobe 5 Protro 'What If?'
Price: $N/A
When: Thursday, Aug. 27
Where: Undefeated.com and at Undefeated stores
What You Need to Know: Los Angeles-based sneaker boutique Undefeated is participating in the "Mamba Week" celebrations by introducing its own Nike Kobe 5 Protro "What If?" pack, recalling the day that Kobe Bryant got drafted in June 1996. The pair on the left sports a bevy of colors that may look out of place at first, but are inspired by the team colors of the twelve NBA franchises that passed on Bryant in the draft. The style on the right dons the colors of the Charlotte Hornets, who selected Bryant before eventually trading him to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Nike Los Angeles Lakers Authentic Jersey
Price: $225
When: Thursday, Aug. 27
Where: Nike.com and at select retailers
What You Need to Know: Before finishing off his elusive career wearing the number 24, Kobe Bryant donned the number 8 across his chest of his Los Angeles Lakers' uniform. In celebration of "Mamba Week," Nike is releasing this Authentic version of his jersey in its iconic purple and gold hues on Aug. 27.
Nike Kobe 5 Protro 'Girls EYBL'
Price: $180
When: Saturday, Aug. 29 at 10:00 a.m. EST
Where: SNKRS and at select retailers
What You Need to Know: Greek mythology’s Medusa serves as the inspiration behind this Kobe 5 Protro "Girls EYBL,” and her ability to freeze onlookers similar to how young female athletes can freeze defenders with a single glance. The pair sports a dark pine green color scheme with scale detailing printed throughout the upper, and co-branding stamped on the tongue.