Basketball Legend Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant was a fierce competitor who brought an intimidating presence to the basketball court. He was one of the best shooting guards in NBA history, but his legacy was shaped just as much by his off-court actions and personality. Throughout his 20-year career, the Black Mamba captivated audiences everywhere he went. He was an icon for young basketball players, a global brand for sneaker companies and a cultural touchstone that is still present today.

Kobe Bryant grew up in Lower Merion, a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He and his siblings were encouraged by their parents, Joe and Pam, to participate in local leagues and tournaments where Kobe would thrill crowds with his smooth style of play. It was here that he began to realize his potential as an NBA star.

After a rough start to his professional career, the Black Mamba eventually became a full-time starter for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1999-2000 season. He exploded for 30 points or more three times that year, earning him the league’s Most Valuable Player award in the process. It was in the playoffs, though, that Kobe’s legend grew to unprecedented heights. He orchestrated a game-winning alley-oop for Shaquille O’Neal in Game 7 of the 2000 Finals, and the Lakers won their first championship that season.

The 10th release in the Kobe series was an incredibly sleek sneaker that amplified Bryant’s attacking mindset. The shoe boasts a two-pronged support wedge that provides incredible cushioning and stop-on-a-dime lockdown, and it has a low-to-the-ground ride that few other sneakers can match. This ‘Dark Knight’ colorway of the Kobe 5 paid tribute to Batman villain the Joker, taking cues from Heath Ledger’s portrayal in Christopher Nolan’s 2008 film The Dark Knight.