You don’t have to be a basketball fan to know who Kobe Bryant is.
The late NBA icon has become more than a legend on the court — he’s a cultural force, a global symbol of grit, legacy, and obsession with greatness, forever woven into the identity of Los Angeles and beyond.
He inspired an entire generation of athletes with his relentless work ethic. His “Mamba Mentality” became a mindset embraced far outside basketball — by CEOs, artists, students, and anyone chasing success.
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And still, for all his global influence, Kobe was unmistakably LA. He spent all 20 years of his NBA career building his name — and a dynasty — with the Lakers.
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So if you’re picturing Kobe in your head right now, you probably see one thing: purple and gold.
Well, Nike’s latest tribute might just catch you off guard. Because this time, there’s not a trace of Lakers colors.
Nike’s newest Kobe Bryant gear honors the Mamba with a new twist.
Image source: Harry How/Getty Images
Nike unveils full Kobe ‘Dodgers’ collection in bold tribute
Launching May 30, following the initial release of the Kobe 6 Protro “Dodgers” sneaker back in March, the full Nike x Kobe Bryant “Dodgers” Collection pays tribute to Kobe’s LA roots in a completely fresh way.
Instead of leaning into the familiar purple and gold, Nike is embracing Dodger blue — a nod to Kobe’s connection to the broader Los Angeles sports community.
The centerpiece of the drop is the Nike x Kobe Dodgers Jersey, a clean white design featuring bold blue accents and meaningful nods to Kobe’s legacy, including his iconic number and a tribute to his final game.
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The collection also includes Dodgers blue performance accessories that blend Nike’s innovation with Kobe’s unmistakable style.
That sneaker? The Kobe 6 Protro “Dodgers” leads the collection, accompanied by a simple graphic tee to round it out.
It’s a coordinated release that blends culture, sport, and legacy — exactly the kind of storytelling Nike has perfected with its Kobe line.
Why Nike’s Kobe strategy is more than just celebrating his legacy
Nike’s decision to keep expanding its Kobe line isn’t just about honoring a legacy. It’s also smart business.
The Kobe 6 Protro series has seen strong resale performance and fast sellouts, especially after Nike re-signed a long-term deal with Bryant’s estate in 2022.
The brand has positioned the Kobe line not just as retro basketball shoes, but as lifestyle icons that blend performance, nostalgia, and fashion.
By linking Kobe to another LA institution — the Dodgers — Nike broadens the appeal even further.
This drop isn’t just for athletes or collectors. It’s for the city and for anyone who felt Kobe’s impact.
And with more Kobe releases planned throughout Summer 2025, including the anticipated Nike Kobe 5 “CHBL,” it’s clear the Mamba legacy isn’t going anywhere. It’s evolving.
Mamba forever.
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