Nike Kobe 1 Protro Work Blue 2026

by thesneakerscroll@gmail.com January 21, 2026

written by thesneakerscroll@gmail.com January 21, 2026

Nike Basketball is releasing a special colorway honoring one of Los Angeles’ most iconic venues next month. The Nike Kobe 1 Protro “City of Champions” pays homage to the Lakers past while saluting Kobe Bryant’s connection to Southern California. Most popularly known as the “Work Blue” colorway, Kobe’s upcoming Protro draws inspiration from as far back as 1972.

Inglewood dubbed Los Angeles the “City of Champions” following the Lakers’ NBA Championship that year. Considered a staple era for winning in SoCal, Kobe Bryant would eventually carry the LA torch as one of the greatest to ever suit up for the purple and gold.

Kobe’s upcoming Nike Kobe 1 Protro “City of Champions” pays homage to LA’s championship legacy by bridging the gap between Kobe and The Forum. The iconic arena served as home to the Los Angeles Lakers from 1967 to 1999. Kobe’s “City of Champions” colorway features Work Blue, Metallic Gold, and Summit White. The aged theme is further complimented by cracked textures on the Swoosh and mudguard. Softer blue takes over the upper and lining while a clean white gum-style outsole completes the look.

It’s the story that Kobe tells through the shoe itself. Inside the “67–99” commemorates The Forum’s stint as the Lakers’ home arena, and the insoles are a map of the city with its location marked. By including those thoughtful touches, Nike turned a simple colorway into a shoe-longlove letter to an iconic building.

The Kobe 1 Protro “City of Champions” has meaningful ties to Kobe, the Lakers and Inglewood, so it makes sense that this sneaker is releasing for All-Star Weekend. It also pays homage to how location, legacy and greatness can intertwine in one shoe.