words // Nick DePaula:
Over a decade ago, Kobe Bryant was in between signature sneaker deals with adidas and Nike, and free to wear shoes from any brand on court throughout the 2002 year.
The list was endless. He wore some great models from Converse, AND1, Nike and Reebok, but most memorably, he regularly wore retro Air Jordans while tearing up the league.
It was Michael’s final season in the Association, making for some classic matchups between MJ and Kobe the three times they faced off. Each time, Bryant wore Js against his childhood idol, like his custom VIIIs at home, VIIs on the road, and even the “True Blue” IIIs during Mike’s final All-Star game.
Check out all of the Air Jordans that Kobe wore on-court during his 2002-2003 sneaker free agency season, and let us know your favorites in the comments section below.
Stay tuned for more #KobeWeek features ahead.
Air Jordan III PE
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Air Jordan XI “Concord”
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Air Jordan VIII PE
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