Nike Kobe 1 Protro "City of Champions" Remembers Time at The Forum

The Nike Kobe line is slowly working its way through the back catalog. While the Kobe 5, 6, and 9 continue their stronghold with new drops and re-releases, earlier models like the Kobe 1 are starting to get their time back in the spotlight.

Set to follow up the returning “81 Points" Protro is a brand-new Nike Zoom Kobe 1 Protro “City of Champions.” According to information from Elden, the pair will arrive in a mix of Work Blue, Metallic Gold, and Summit White colors.

Nike’s renewed commitment to Kobe Bryant’s legacy has been a cornerstone of its posthumous partnership with the Bryant estate. A steady cadence of retro and new releases across the Kobe signature line has played a key role in continuing the Mamba legacy — a driving factor in the estate’s decision to keep the brand partnership alive.

What's particularly special about the latest Kobe 1 Protro is its story-telling component. Its "City of Champions" moniker nods to a decree made In 1972 by the Mayor Of Inglewood, naming L.A. “The City Of Champions” after the Los Angeles Lakers were crowned NBA champions. Furthermore, ⁠67-99 text is found behind the tongue, referencing the span of time during which the Lakers called The Forum (now the Kia Forum) home.

Stay tuned for updates as the Nike Zoom Kobe 1 Protro “City of Champions” heads toward its release in the first-half of 2026.

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