New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson stars in a highly anticipated Nike Kobe commercial alongside Natalia Bryant as the brand prepares to release the Nike Kobe 3 Protro Halo colorway on August 23. This new ad highlights Brunson’s role as a modern champion and torchbearer of Kobe Bryant’s iconic sneaker legacy.
The connection between Brunson and the Nike Kobe line dates back to his high school years, and he has recently unveiled exclusive player versions of the signature sneakers. Nike released a short film titled Rings-N-Things on Tuesday morning, featuring Brunson entering a jewelry store owned by Big Time Tommie to purchase the latest Protro. Natalia Bryant, Kobe’s eldest daughter, playfully intercepts the sneakers, testing Brunson on his clutch style. This interaction adds a heartfelt element to the campaign, blending Kobe’s enduring influence with today’s <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA stars.
A Closer Look at the Rings-N-Things Commercial
The 61-second commercial uses symbolic storytelling to promote the Nike Kobe 3 Protro. Big Time Tommie’s shop acts as a setting where sneaker culture and basketball heritage meet. Natalia Bryant’s role in the ad reinforces her position as a keeper of her father’s legacy by challenging Brunson with questions about his ability to perform under pressure. This dynamic portrays the passing of knowledge and respect from one generation to the next.
To amplify the marketing, Nike also released a brief, cryptic ten-second voicemail teaser referencing the Rings-N-Things store. This adds an air of mystery and excitement around the Protro’s upcoming release, signaling a major push for one of the final Kobe signature shoes to receive the performance plus retro treatment.
Details on the Nike Kobe 3 Protro Launch
The Nike Kobe 3 Protro Halo will officially launch on Saturday, August 23 at 10:00 a.m. EST via the Nike SNKRS app. Adult sizes retail for $210. This particular colorway honors Kobe’s 2007-08 NBA MVP season, a time when he wore the original Kobe 3 during an all-star campaign culminating in the NBA Finals.
This shoe’s design bridges past and present by blending the original aesthetic with modern technology intended to suit today’s game. Nike Basketball emphasized this with a social media post, stating,
“2007 Design. Modern Day Technology. The Kobe 3 Protro. Retooled for today’s game while retaining a timeless look that’s unmistakable.”
—Nike Basketball
Kobe’s evolution continued after this model, as he introduced the Nike Hyperdunk at the 2008 Summer Olympics and launched a low-top movement with the Nike Kobe 4, which accompanied back-to-back championship victories.
Ongoing Celebrations and Additional Kobe Releases
Fans can look forward to a broader celebration surrounding Bryant’s legacy, including festivities around his birthday on August 23 and Kobe Day on August 24. The hype around these dates fuels continued enthusiasm for Kobe’s signature footwear line within basketball and sneaker communities.
Other Kobe-related releases remain available, such as the Nike Kobe 9 Low Lakers Home. Flight Club Los Angeles is hosting a week-long Kobe Day celebration, further underscoring the player’s enduring influence. Additionally, Caitlin Clark’s Nike Kobe 5 Rookie of the Year edition has a confirmed release date, while Nike recently introduced Kobe “Unicorn” basketball socks priced at $24. Fans also await the Nike Kobe x FC Barcelona collaboration, expanding Kobe’s reach into international markets.
Pat Benson, a sneaker industry reporter for Kicks On Sports Illustrated who has covered the NBA and authored works on Kobe Bryant’s sneaker history, continues to provide updates on these developments, maintaining the connection between Kobe’s legacy and current sneaker culture.