FIRST LOOK: Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Draft Day”

The Nike Kobe line continues to storytell as the Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Draft Day” is rumored for 2025, a nod to the Mamba being drafted to the Hornets.

In 1996, Charlotte drafted Kobe Bryant as the 13th overall pick, though his time with the team was brief. The Hornets traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers in a move that would shape NBA history, giving rise to Bryant’s legendary status in the purple and gold.

Despite his brief link to Charlotte, the draft-day moment has inspired multiple Nike Kobe sneakers, adding a nod to where his journey started before dominating the league.

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Nike has paid homage to this moment, notably through models like the Kobe 4 “Draft Day” colorway, originally released in 2009 and Protro’d in 2019. Dressed in Charlotte’s original teal and purple, this colorway marks the “what if” narrative of Kobe’s journey, capturing the city that briefly held his rights before he became a Lakers legend.

The Kobe 5 Protro will now tell the “Draft Day” story as the shoe dons a predominantly white upper, an icy blue outsole, a teal Swoosh, tongue & heel, and a purple Swoosh outline, lining, & tongue logo.

The Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Draft Day” releases in 2025 via SNKRS and select retailers.

Keep it locked to Nice Kicks on Instagram and the Nike Kobe release dates page to stay on top of the latest news and drops.

Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Draft Day” (Image via @idontsellshoes/Instagram)