For a brief moment in time, there was a possibility that there would be a shortage of Kobes in circulation after extension negotiations between the Bryant estate and Nike fell through. Thankfully, their partnership was ultimately rekindled leading to the highly-anticipated release of the “Mambacita Sweet 16”, the solemn tribute sneaker to Kobe and daughter Gigi.

Later on, Bulls star DeMar DeRozan inked a deal to be the face of the Kobe line for the next four years. Things simmered down for awhile until news surfaced of the titular pair’s return. The Kobe 6 Protro “Prelude” was originally part of an eight-shoe pack released in 2014 as a lead-up to the launch of the latest Kobe 9.

The 6 had its piece of history during the 2011 All-Star Game for being on Kobe’s feet when he won the MVP trophy in his home court of Los Angeles, the muse that inspired the iteration’s motif—particularly Venice Beach.

The murals along the world-famous beach guides the aesthetic direction of the upper, featuring graphics of various marine life and an array of colours. Though nothing in the “Prelude” Pack lacks any panache, the 6 stands out for its more vibrant palette.

The Kobes are three in the top 10 shoes worn by players in the NBA, with two of them at the helm. Aside from DeRozan, two of its advocates are fellow All-Star Devin Booker, and one of the world’s, if not the biggest, collector of Kobes, PJ Tucker.

There isn’t any release date announced by Nike or the Bryant estate but considering their renewed relationship, the possibility is high that a return will happen.

In other basketball sneaker revivals, check out the iconoclastic Nike Air Foamposite One “Metallic Red”, hinted to make a return as well in the near future.