Last summer, Nike gave its iconic Air Force 1 sneaker an extensive first-of-its-kind upgrade based on Kobe Bryant’s Protro (performance retro) concept and now, another one of the sportswear company’s classic models is receiving a similar treatment. 

The Nike Dunk is next in line to receive Bryant’s Protro treatment, and it will be released in several styles this spring including the nostalgia-driven look seen here. With a Fierce Purple/Blue Lagoon/Sail colorway, the Kobe Bryant x Nike Dunk Low Protro “Draft Day” references the trajectory Bryant’s career could have taken had it not been for a prearranged trade on the night of the 1996 NBA Draft. 

While Bryant ended up a lifelong Los Angeles Laker, he was originally drafted by the Charlotte Hornets before being shipped out west in exchange for center Vlade Divac. Bryant never ended up playing for the Hornets, but the could-have-been scenario has become a memorable part of the late basketball star’s lore. 

The story has been referenced on several previous Kobe releases, but perhaps never as elaborately as it is on this upcoming Dunk Low Protro. The shoe is decked out in the purple-and-teal colors of the Hornets with an off-white sail shade that heightens the vintage storytelling. Beneath the Blue Lagoon Swoosh and heel is a hidden Lakers-colored yellow shade, which will presumably be revealed as the sneaker is worn. Blocky “KOBE” lettering is embroidered on the heel, and the shoe’s Fierce Purple and Blue Lagoon overlays feature a snakeskin-like scale texture.

Colorway aside, the most notable thing about the upcoming Kobe-branded Dunk Low Protro is the under-the-hood upgrades Nike has made to the 1985 design. Like the aforementioned Air Force 1 Protro, the Dunk Low has been equipped with drop-in ReactX cushioning, which adds modern comfort to the retro design. The shoe’s tongue appears to feature a layered mesh reminiscent of Nike’s 2010s Torch fabric, which was featured on sneakers such as the Kobe 5. And at the bottom, the rubber outsole’s pivot point traction features a swirling snake design.

Along with the Draft Day pair seen here, the Kobe Bryant x Nike Dunk Low Protro will be released in both home and away styles in the colors of Bryant’s Lower Merion Aces high school team.

The Kobe Bryant x Nike Dunk Low Protro Draft Day is expected to be released this spring for a retail price of $145. The style code for this colorway is IM0586-500.