The Nike Kobe 5 "Draft Day" Expected to Return in 2025

If Kobe Bryant had remained with the Charlotte Hornets—the team that originally drafted him—instead of being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, the trajectory of his storied NBA career might have been vastly different. Yet, despite this alternate history, his legacy as the greatest Laker of all time remains unchallenged.

In a nod to what might have been, the Nike Kobe “Draft Day” series celebrates this moment in NBA history by featuring the Hornets' colors of light blue, purple, and white.

Now, it is expected that a return of the 2010 Nike Kobe 5 “Draft Day” in a Protro version will occur in 2025, as suggested by recently leaked images.

The specifics of the release remain uncertain, but there is speculation that these coveted sneakers might hit shelves around the 2025 NBA Draft, aligning with the event that could have marked a different path for the basketball legend.

Enjoy a first look at the 2025 production pair below and, further on, the original 2010 release.

Expect more details to emerge soon.