Kobe Bryant became an active supporter of women’s basketball post retirement, and Vanessa Bryant has carried on the legacy. This includes her continuous involvement in the WNBA and through Kobe’s line of sneakers. The above two aspects recently aligned with Vanessa’s presence at Footprint Center in Phoenix.

The late LA Lakers icon’s wife was in attendance of the WNBA star game along with her three daughters. While the whole family went with white for their courtside appearance, Vanessa mixing it up with denims and somewhat matching heels just added to her stylish appearance. The Sporting News shared the visuals of the moment through their official Instagram account. “Vanessa Bryant provided the Nike Kobe 6 Protro WNBA All-Star shoes for players,” read the caption to the post. 

Vanessa continued the contract with Nike in 2022 after Kobe’s passing, but only after a few hiccups. Since then, Vanessa has worked closely with the brand to coordinate the design and release of shoes under Kobe’s line. For the most recent one, the release was exclusively for WNBA All-Star weekend. The shoes were presented to WNBA All-Stars during a practice session, one day ahead of the big game. Clark even shared the snap of the received ‘Nike Kobe 6 Protro WNBA All-Star PE’ in her IG story earlier.

As for the colorway, the Nike Kobe 6 Protro has never shied away from experimenting with bold ones. The WNBA All-Star PE follows a similar trend of signature faux reptile skin in a striking red hue. With green accents providing a sharp contrast, the sneakers are said to be inspired by the ‘Kobe 6 Reverse Grinch’. However, the shoes that Vanessa revealed on Thursday have specifically been commissioned for the WNBA All-Star Weekend. So as per the reports, the sneakers will not have a retail release. 

“I feel lucky”: Caitlin Clark on receiving the special gift from Vanessa Bryant

The Indiana Fever rookie has time and again stated Kobe Bryant as her icon. And she has been donning the Kobe sneakers for quite some time now. One particular instance was her game against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the Big 10 Conference last year, where she went for the Nike Kobe 6 Protro Reverse Grinch.

Even after helping Fever win their first game this WNBA season, Clark gave a tribute to the Black Mamba as an inspiration. And now she has given Vanessa a shout out, not just for the sneakers but for carrying on Kobe’s legacy. Speaking of the ‘WNBA All-Star PE’, the Fever rookie termed the shoes as the “best,” emphasizing she has always been a Kobe person.

“It’s not even close…Obviously just to wear his shoes, obviously what Vanessa and their family have done, and continuing his legacy with his shoes… So, I feel very lucky and fortunate to not only represent Nike but also their entire family,” she added ahead of the WNBA All Star Game. Notably, this game marks the first team up of alleged bitter rivals — Clark and Angel Reese.