Two dates in the year have been dedicated to Kobe Bryant, celebrating his influence and impact both on and off the hardwood: 13 April, remembering his 60-point final NBA game in 2016 (in true Mamba fashion); and 24 August, honoring his two (both retired) jersey numbers, #8 and #24. The latter date, declared an official holiday in Los Angeles and Orange County, falls a day after Bryant’s birthday on 23 August.

A third date, however, 1 May, belongs to Gianna “Gigi” Bryant, commemorating her birthday, a day that, in 2025, would have marked her 19th.

Gianna Bryant’s passing in 2020 cut short a basketball story arc destined to mirror her father’s greatness. Had tragedy not intervened, she would have likely joined the UConn Huskies, a program she idolized, and potentially contended for an NCAA championship alongside standouts like Paige Bueckers.

Indubitably, she would have been well on her way to the WNBA, where her Mamba—or rather, Mambacita—Mentality and work ethic, honed under her father’s mentorship, could have reshaped women’s basketball.

Nike celebrates Gigi by introducing the “Mambacita” colorway, an apt offshoot of the Kobe line, taken after her father’s nickname for her. Kobe’s dates anchor his mythos, but Gigi’s remains a poignant “what if”—a reminder of legacies interrupted. Yet through these shoes, keep them alive.

Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Mambacita Sweet 16”

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Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Mambacita”

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Nike Kobe 8 Protro “Mambacita”

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For the 2025 iteration, the “Mambacita” design adorns the Nike Kobe 9 Low Protro EM. Again, thematically consistent with all three of its predecessors, adorning a regal palette of white, Black, and Metallic Gold.

Nike Kobe 9 Low EM “Mambacita”

The Nike Kobe 9 Low EM “Mambacita” sees a white-to-black gradient, its upper crafted from breathable engineered mesh. Regal Metallic Gold accents highlight the various branding elements: the profile Swooshes, Kobe’s sheath logo on the tongue, and “Gigi” branding on the heel.

A marbled black-and-white pattern addresses the sole unit in harmony with the above. The right heel bares a golden heart encircling the number “2”, Gigi’s jersey number, while the left heel, her name. Each pair includes a golden Mambacita heart hangtag and an extra set of black laces.

Built as a Protro (performance retro), the Kobe 9 EM “Mambacita” incorporates a drop-in React foam midsole for responsive cushioning and a carbon fiber plate in the outsole for strong yet lightweight lateral stability.

More than likely, the pair will be used more as a lifestyle option given its special edition status. Nonetheless, the multidirectional traction pattern, ensuring a superior grip on the court, still makes it a high-performance basketball shoe suitable for serious players, as the Black Mamba himself would’ve wanted.

Kobe 9 “Mambacita” Release Date

The Kobe 9 “Mambacita” will retail for US$180 in men’s sizes and US$120 in grade school sizes. The pair will be available exclusively through Nike SNKRS and select retailers, with a release time set for 10AM (EST) on 1 May 2025.

Complementing the rollout, per Nike Kobe releases prior like the recent “What The” Kobe 8, the pair will also be chaperoned by apparel.

This time in the form of the Nike Gigi Bryant “Mambacita” Basketball Jerseys, in Home and Away colorways, as seen on Gianna herself. They feature her name and number, tributes designed to mirror the style of her original AAU team uniforms.

Each is priced at US$120, and all proceeds benefit the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, which supports the development of young athletes.

Kobe 9 “Mambacita” Sizing: How Do They Fit?

Similar to the rest of the Nike Kobe line, the Nike Kobe 9 Low fits true-to-size but is observed to be quite narrow, especially around the toe box. Most players find that sticking to their usual Nike size gives the best fit, providing a snug and locked-in feel ideal for performance. However, if you have wider feet or use ankle braces, a half-size up should suffice.

Best Nike Kobe Shoes on SNKRDUNK

Nike Kobe 8 Protro “What The Kobe”

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Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Dodgers”

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Nike Kobe 6 Protro “All-Star 2.0”

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Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Year of the Mamba”

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Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Gift of Mamba”

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Nike Kobe 5 Protro “X-Ray”

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For the latest releases, breaking news, and exclusive interviews, stay tuned to the SNKRDUNK Magazine and @snkrdunk on Instagram. Explore the SNKRDUNK App and use the welcome code from the banner below before making your first purchase. Additionally, if you want to try a pair out, visit our stores in Singapore and Japan!

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