2023 seems to be the year for old, retro basketball shoes to make their glorious returns. Nike has entries such as the Air Flight Huarache “OG”, while adidas is also bringing back shoes like the Top 10 2010. Now, hopping on the bandwagon is Reebok, with the re-release of their polarizing The Blast silhouette.

In 1996, Reebok released The Blast, a high-top basketball shoe as part of their Mobius Collection. As its name implies, it’s an eye-catching design that is literally “explosive”. Championed by LA Lakers’ guard Nick Van Exel into the late 90s, it was a statement on and off the court.

The once-forgotten shoe made its return earlier this year in its OG colorways, but this time it’s being updated in a “Lakers” outfit. A shoutout to Van Exel in his Lakers days, this latest offering sees the midpanel detailed with California Purple and Gold accents. The rest of the sneaker is clad mainly in white, save for some matching purple accents on its tongue and heel.

Check out the Reebok The Blast “Lakers” via the top slider above. It’s slated to drop on Reebok and select retailers on 19 May, at a retail price of US$160.

In other sneaker-related news, check out the Nike Air Adjust Force “Light Bone/Khaki”.