This Nike Kobe Air Force 1 Remembers When the Lakers Played at The Forum

The Nike Kobe partnership continues to reimagine Bruce Kilgore's iconic Air Force 1 design with performance enhancements and thoughtful story-telling. Its latest effort turns back the clock, remembering both when the Los Angeles Lakers played at The Forum and the Mayor of Inglewood declared L.A. the "City of Champions."

Officially clad in a "Work Blue/Metallic Gold/Summit White" color scheme, the AF-1 matches a special Kobe 1 Protro also dedicated to the Lakers' past. The modified edition of Kilgore "presidential" design sees cracked panels throughout the upper, as well as textile layers that help further differentiate the pair from inline Nike Sportswear offerings.

Several branding elements across the Air Force 1 Low are replaced with logos related to the late Kobe Bryant, cementing his legacy within the annals of Swoosh history. A depiction of the now-Kia Forum appears behind the tongue, alongside a nod to the timespan (1967-99) during which the Lakers called the arena home.

In true Protro fashion, the Air Force 1 features a ReactX foam drop-in midsole, coupled with a Nike Air at the heel. Special laces, hangtag, and graphics on the sock-liner further celebrate Bryant's legacy in style.

Stay tuned for firm Nike.com and release details. Pairs could launch in mid-February to coincide with NBA All-Star Weekend 2026, which takes place in Los Angeles.

For more from the Swoosh empire, check out the Air Jordan 6 releases expected in celebration of the sneaker's 35th anniversary.