The last time Kobe Bryant played in Phoenix during All-Star Weekend was back in 2009. Now his signature sneaker line is headed back to the city for the 2027 event, with four pairs expected as part of Nike’s “Mamba vs. Diamondback” Collection. The Kobe 5 Protro, Kobe AD Protro, Air Force 1, and Dunk Low Protro are all on the list. None of the shoes have been revealed yet, but they’re expected to arrive in February.

The Black Mamba name has been tied to Kobe for much of his basketball career. Diamondback rattlesnakes, meanwhile, are native to the Arizona desert, so there’s a connection to Phoenix hosting the game. Nike hasn’t shown how either snake will appear on the shoes, but that’s where the name comes from.

Kobe also had quite a history playing against the Phoenix Suns. The Lakers lost to them in the first round of the playoffs in 2006 and 2007, with the 2006 series being especially rough for Los Angeles. They were ahead 3-1 before Phoenix came back to win in seven games. Kobe eventually got past the Suns in the 2010 Western Conference Finals, and the Lakers went on to win another championship that year.

As for the sneakers themselves, there’s not much to go on beyond the reported Black, Chile Red, and Khaki colors. Snakeskin could end up being part of the designs, but that hasn’t been confirmed. The Kobe AD Protro is also getting a spot in the collection, which is worth mentioning since Nike hasn’t done nearly as many special versions of that model compared to the Kobe 5.

The Nike Kobe “Mamba vs. Diamondback” Collection is expected to arrive during NBA All-Star Weekend in February 2027. Stay tuned for further updates as we learn more about this release.

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Source: Kicks Finder