Kobe Bryant Tribute by Nike
In a striking tribute to Kobe Bryant, Nike unveiled its latest advertising campaign for the Kobe 3 Protro, featuring New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson and Natalia Bryant, Kobe’s eldest daughter. The ad debuted on Tuesday and highlights Brunson’s quest for a unique piece of jewelry in a New York shop, where he is immediately captivated by a pair of all-white Kobe 3 Protros on display.
Ad Campaign Highlights
As Natalia polishes the shoes, Brunson inquires about her task and attempts to seize the coveted pair, only for her to humorously retort with,
“You reach, I teach,”
before embarking on a series of challenging questions to determine his readiness for the shoes. Ultimately, she teases him with,
“You might be ready, but I’m still not convinced,”
before signaling him out.
Commemorating Kobe’s Legacy
Nike emphasizes that the reissue of the Kobe 3 Protro is their most comprehensive effort so far to honor the basketball legend’s playing days, especially spotlighting elements like diamond motifs on the shoe’s upper and outsole, a nod to Natalia’s middle name, Diamanté. This release is set to coincide with what would have been Kobe Bryant’s 47th birthday on Saturday.
Brunson’s Connection to Kobe
Brunson, a two-time NBA All-Star and well-known Kobe sneaker enthusiast, has already made headlines by sporting various models during his career—most notably sporting a special “Hyper Turquoise” Kobe 6 edition inspired by the Statue of Liberty during the 2025 playoffs. He also donned the iconic Kobe 6 Protro Grinch kicks during a career-high game where he scored 61 points in March 2024, showcasing his connection to the legacy of the late basketball superstar.
