1997 NBA Slam Dunk Contest
Despite enduring a tumultuous first half of his rookie season, plenty of NBA enthusiasts could see the potential star power that Kobe Bryant garnered. This couldn’t have been any more evident as adidas inked the guard to a lucrative six-year $48-million dollar endorsement deal to rep the Three Stripes insignia. As the 1997 Slam Dunk contest approached, Bryant would take full advantage of the main stage.
With his high school prom date and notable superstar friend Brandy in attendance, Bryant would showcase the adidas EQT Elevation in a vibrant Lakers PE that employed hues of purple and gold throughout its futuristic upper. Bryant would become the youngest winner of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, defeating the likes of Ray Allen and Michael Finley.
