Kobe Bryant News Emerges on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 3:38 PM ET

Kobe Bryant may be gone, but his influence on basketball and the sneaker world continues to grow. The five-time NBA champion and two-time NBA Finals MVP left an indelible legacy, and new developments continue to celebrate his impact.

Bryant, the 13th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, was an 18-time All-Star and remains the all-time leading scorer in Los Angeles Lakers history. He was also the first guard in NBA history to play 20 seasons with the same team.

On Wednesday, sneaker outlet Nice Kicks reported that Nike unveiled the Kobe Vault on its SNKRS app, a digital hub dedicated to Kobe’s iconic shoe line. The platform allows fans to explore stories, upcoming releases, and original colorways from each Kobe signature model.

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According to Sneaker News, nearly every one of Bryant’s signature shoes, from the Kobe 1 to the Kobe 11, has a presence in the virtual vault. Some are displayed with basic silhouettes, while others, especially the most popular editions, include detailed galleries.

Highlights from the Kobe 8 collection include the “What The,” “Mambacita,” “Court Purple,” “Aqua,” and “Venice Beach” colorways. The Kobe 6 lineup showcases favorites like the “Reverse Grinch,” “Mambacita,” “Italian Camo,” “All-Star 2.0” and “Dodgers” editions.

As of now, the SNKRS app features 11 Kobe models, with more information and product drops expected in the near future.

Bryant was originally drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996 but was traded on draft night to the Lakers. He went on to win the 1997 Slam Dunk Contest and built a Hall of Fame career defined by relentless competitiveness, elite scoring, and five NBA championships.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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