• Brand: Nike SB / Jordan Brand crossover tribute
• Product: Nike SB Dunk Low Protro “Kobe Hornets”
• Release Date: June 26, 2026
• Price: $145 USD (Estimated)

Do you remember that *very* brief moment Kobe Bryant was a Charlotte Hornet? Well, Nike is kicking off the summer with a throwback by way of the Nike Kobe Dunk Low Protro Charlotte to LA, which pays a striking aesthetic tribute to the famous “Draft Day” narrative. . Bryant, of course, was initially drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996 before ultimately being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, but his *very* brief tenture with the team has resulted in a series of shoe tributes from the brand because, well, it is a part of his history.

Because this pair combines a clean white leather base with rich retro purple and teal overlays, demand is hitting an absolute fever pitch. If you want to add this collectible crossover to your rotation on release day, you need a precise game plan. Here is exactly how to give yourself the best chance at locking down a pair.

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The Details

The design of the “Kobe Hornets” Dunk Low successfully merges classic court style with skate-ready durability:

• Color Palette: The upper is built from premium smooth leather panels, featuring a clean white base contrasted by rich retro purple and vibrant teal overlays that match Charlotte’s retro 1990s team jerseys.
• Kobe Detailing: Special tribute elements are spread throughout the silhouette. Custom printed insoles feature subtle nods to Bryant’s legacy, while commemorative branding replaces traditional logos to elevate this colorway into a true historical artifact.
• Performance Architecture: To keep core skateboarders happy, the classic SB construction remains intact. This includes the signature thick, plush padded tongue for a locked-in fit and impact-absorbing Zoom Air cushioning embedded directly in the heel liner.

How to Shop the Shoe

Photo: Nike

The Nike Kobe Dunk Low Protro “Charlotte to LA” officially arrives on June 26, 2026. You can try to secure your pair directly through Nike, as well as via select partner retailers both in-store and online. The sneaker will be available in unisex sizing, with the retail price set at $145.

Earlier this month, Nike rolled out the Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low EM Protro “Hornets,” which serves as a striking nod to the iconic 90s aesthetic of the Charlotte franchise.  Boosting a low-top engineered mesh (EM) mainframe and a technical mesh architecture masterfully woven to feature a clean white-to-purple gradient across the foot’s lateral mapping line, a Fierce Purple and Blue Lagoon color pattern is that the heart of this shoe.

Featured Photo: Nike

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