The Swoosh label is expanding Kobe Bryant’s sneaker collection with the launch of the upcoming Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Year of the Mamba.

NBA legend Kobe Bryant enjoyed global popularity. The Los Angeles Lakers legend was beloved in all corners of the world, perhaps nowhere more so than in China. During the heyday of Nike Basketball, Bryant toured China almost every single offseason to connect with fans and spread the Mamba Mentality.

The legacy of Kobe Bryant continues to live on as Nike is set to commemorate the memory of the NBA legend with a new collection that’s poised to be a must-have for any hardcore Black Mamba fan.

The upcoming Lunar New Year-themed Kobe 5 releases are part of a larger Nike "Year of the Mamba" footwear and apparel collection that will drop soon. We've already learned that the "Eggplant" Kobe 5 will kick off the drops on Thursday,

Just a week into the new year, Nike is revealing its early plans for the Kobe line in 2025. The Swoosh has confirmed the release of the Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Year of Mamba,” Nike Kobe 9 Elite High Protro “Masterpiece” and Nike Kobe 6 Protro “All-Star 2.

The Lunar New Year-themed collection is also joined by the Kobe 6 Protro "All-Star 2.0" and the return of the Kobe 9 Elite Protro "Masterpiece."

Nike introduced the Year of the Mamba: a challenge to athletes, as the calendar turns, to choose the hard, uncomfortable path in the year ahead, all in dedic