Kobe Bryant x Nike Dunk Low "Draft Day" Expected Summer 2026

The life and times of the great Kobe Bryant have been well-documented since before he entered the NBA. In recent years, Nike, Inc. has worked with the late athlete's estate to continue telling his story through products and initiatives. Come Summer 2026, a special Nike Dunk Low is set to recount the story of Bryant's NBA Draft.

As reported by Sneaker Files, the "Draft Day" sneaker harkens back to 1996, the year in which an 18-year-old Kobe transitioned from high school straight into professional basketball. The narrative-driven take on Peter Moore's footwear design features a "Fierce Purple/Blue Lagoon/Sail" color scheme that draws inspiration from the franchise that originally drafted the Lower Merion High School-graduate with the 13th pick in the Draft. As history tells it, however, the Hornets immediately traded him away to the Los Angeles Lakers.

An official look at the "Draft Day" Dunk Low hasn't surfaced as of yet, but the pair is believed to boast a "Blue Lagoon" leather base that allows for "Fierce Purple"-colored overlays to recreate classic Hornets colors. Midsoles should arrive with faux-aging, nodding to the mid-1990s event. Co-branding details should also land on the sneaker, as they have on pairs like the "Soft Yellow" Air Force 1 Protro. The Nike Kobe line's sword-in-sheath logo could appear embroidered on the lateral hind-foot, with some other cheeky nod to the Hornets passing on Bryant claiming some real estate on the shoe.

Stay tuned for firm Nike.com release details and detailed product shots of the "Draft Day" Dunks. For more footwear news from the Swoosh conglomerate, check out the ultra-cushioned Vomero Premium running model.