Nike has released a new commercial for the Kobe 3 Protro, bringing together Natalia Bryant and New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson to honour her father’s legacy.
The short film, set in a New York jewellery shop, opens with internet star Big Time Tommie fielding a call about “five rings”, a wink to Kobe Bryant’s five championships.
Into this scene walks Brunson, looking for something special. He skips the jewellery and spots Natalia in the back, working on the design for Kobe’s latest sneakers.
What follows is a playful exchange. Natalia quizzes Brunson on his game to see if he deserves the latest Kobe sneakers, but doubts linger.
“You might be ready,” she says, “but I’m still not convinced.” The moment underlines the weight attached to the line. A cameo from high school sensation Aaliyah Chavez only adds to the drama.
Nike describes the Kobe 3 Protro as a “refreshed edition” of the shoe Kobe wore during his 2007-08 MVP campaign. Updated with modern performance tech, it keeps design elements tied to Kobe’s story.
Nike Kobe 3 Protro tribute
Diamond details appear on the upper, a tribute to Natalia’s middle name, Diamanté. The release also lands around what would have been Kobe’s 47th birthday, adding to the symbolism.
Brunson’s casting is no accident. He wore Statue of Liberty Protros in 2025 and regularly picks the Grinch colourway for big games.
His connection to the line mirrors his rise with the Knicks, where he has become one of the league’s most clutch players.
The past year cemented that reputation. Brunson signed a four-year, $156.5m extension in July 2024 and was later named team captain.
He earned an All-Star starting spot, scored 55 points in a December thriller, and won the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year award.
By the playoffs, he was rewriting Knicks history books with a string of 40-point games, trailing only legends like Jordan and LeBron in certain scoring categories.
For Natalia, the project continues a personal mission. A USC graduate and model, she once led her volleyball team and often honours her father and late sister.
Her presence in the ad reinforces that Kobe’s impact lives on through both family and basketball.
With the Kobe 3 Protro on sale this week, Nike’s campaign blends legacy with performance. By pairing Natalia’s story with Brunson’s rise, the commercial ensures Kobe’s influence remains stitched into the game’s fabric.
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