How the ‘Fade to Black’ Nike Kobe 11 Took Over the NBA for Kobe’s Final Game

On April 13, 2016, Kobe Bryant played his final NBA game. As the Los Angeles Lakers’ season came to a close, everyone showed up to witness his last dance. He finished with 60 points against the Utah Jazz, closing out a 20-year career in a way that felt like a movie. Staples Center turned into a farewell stage, and Bryant delivered one last moment to remember.

The sneaker he did it in was the “Fade to Black” Kobe 11, which released that same day as part of Nike’s “Fade to Black” series. The “FTB” collection was specifically dedicated to Bryant’s final season and included 13 sneakers that he wore throughout his career. The silhouettes were released chronologically, with the color scheme starting in white and darkening with each pair.

Players across the league celebrated the moment by wearing the “FTB” Kobe 11 that night in honor of Bryant’s career. Even stars like LeBron James and Paul George, who sat out their games in preparation for the upcoming playoffs, participated by wearing the style courtside.

Bryant’s on-court legacy lives on today, with new stories still being told through Nike Kobes from players like the Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark to the New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson, among others. Many of these players had personal connections with Bryant, shared gym sessions, and studied his game.

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Bryant’s final game, Nike is bringing back the “Fade to Black” Nike Kobe 11 for the first time. The sneaker drops today on Nike SNKRS and at select retailers for $220.

In honor of the 10th anniversary of that final game, we’re taking a look back at some of the biggest stars that wore the sneaker that night. Here’s how the “Fade to Black” Nike Kobe 11 took over the NBA for Kobe’s final game.

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