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Nike to release new Kobe protro colorways to celebrate Kobe’s birthday and Mamba Day

In the aftermath of Kobe Bryant’s tragic death in a helicopter crash earlier this year, one of the most unseemly stories to come out was how resellers quickly snatched up nearly all available merch from the late Lakers star — from jerseys, to sneakers and more — and flooded the retail market with them at dramatically hiked prices. It was gross and unfortunate, and also prevented most real fans from being able to afford gear to honor Bryant.

Nike quickly took Bryant’s merch off the market, and hasn’t released any new stuff since his unfortunate passing.