Although the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant was not a multi-sport athlete, the Black Mamba’s legacy is tied to multiple playing fields. Most notable was Bryant’s love of football, a craze that inspired Nike’s signature low-top sneakers that were changing the industry. Also of note is his relationship with the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball, a relationship that continued after his death.
Following the launch of the Dodgers-themed Kobe 6 Protro in 2025, Nike will release a new Kobe 5 Protro in matching colorways. The upcoming Rush Blue/Wolf Grey/Comet Red style is nearly identical to its Kobe 6 predecessor and sports a Dodgers blue upper with red baseball stitching on the heel panel. And like the Kobe 6, the Dodgers Kobe 5 Protro includes Bryant’s number, 8, moving from the heel to the inside of the tongue and adds his number 24 for good measure.
Other deviations from previous releases include a gray Swoosh logo with white edges instead of all white. The new sneaker is also expected to include an image of Bryant on the insole, although that detail is not visible in the initial images.
Nike Kobe 5 Protro Dodgers (Side).
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A lifelong Los Angeles Laker, Bryant’s history with the Dodgers dates back to his 1996 arrival in the city. He frequently attended games, including throwing the first pitch ceremony in 2000 and Game 4 of the 2018 World Series. Following his tragic death, the Dodgers have hosted numerous tribute nights featuring special edition jerseys and other collectibles.
The Nike Kobe 5 Protro Dodgers will launch in Fall 2026 with a retail price of $200 and will be available on the Nilke Snkrs app and select Nike Basketball retailers. Like the Kobe 6 Protro, it’s possible this new pair will release early from Los Angeles area boutiques like Undefeated. The style code for these sneakers is IO6256-400.

Nike Kobe 5 Protro Dodgers (center).
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Nike Kobe 5 Protro Dodgers (intact).
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Nike Kobe 5 Protro Dodgers (outsole).
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