Jalen Brunson is back just in time for the Knicks’ 2025 playoff run. After missing 15 games with an ankle injury, Brunson made a statement on his return. He laced up a bold new pair: the Nike Kobe 5 Protro “The Joke’s On You” PE.
This special edition draws inspiration from the original Kobe 5 “Chaos”. That colorway, beloved by fans, nodded to the Joker character. Now, Brunson’s pair builds on that idea, with fresh colors and Joker-themed energy. The upper features a bold purple base with electric green laces and Swoosh. Red lining adds another layer, giving the shoe a dramatic feel.
While the shoe honors the late Kobe Bryant’s legacy, it also pays tribute to Heath Ledger’s Joker. The design channels both chaos and control—perfect for Brunson’s dynamic playing style. The outsole glows with neon green, finished off with Kobe’s logo in red for extra pop.
However, there’s one catch: this sneaker won’t see store shelves. Nike made this Kobe 5 Protro colorway as a player exclusive. That means only Jalen Brunson and a select few will get to wear them.
Still, this sneaker is a true highlight for fans of Kobe and the Knicks. It merges basketball performance, pop culture, and sneaker history in one powerful look.
As Jalen Brunson leads the Knicks deeper into the playoffs, fans can only dream of a retail release. Until then, “The Joke’s On You” remains one of 2025’s most eye-catching PEs.
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