Phoenix Mercury Gift Diana Taurasi a Custom Nike Kobe/LeBron Hybrid at Ring of Honor Celebration

Diana Taurasi had an incredible career in the desert. Just like Kobe, Steph, and now her citymate Devin Booker, Taurasi spent her entire career in one city, Phoenix, retiring from a 20-year career with the Mercury last year. This week, the Mercury honored Taurasi by welcoming her into the organization’s Ring of Honor.

Ring of Honor Customs

At the Ring of Honor celebration, Mercury owner Matt Ishbia gifted Taurasi a custom pair of Nike Kobe Air Force 1 LeBron hybrid custom that incorporates parts of the LeBron 8 on the bottom half. Keeping things in line with the celebration, the purple and orange pair is a clear nod to Taurasi’s Mercury jersey.

On the upper, sneaker customizer VickAlmighty used a purple snakeskin Nike Kobe Air Force 1 to represent her favorite player and the White Mamba nickname Bryant gave Taurasi. The orange LeBron midsole with a full-length Air unit is a shoutout to the shoes Taurasi wore for most of her career. Finally, DT and White Mamba tongue logos bring the custom full circle.

Diana Taurasi Gifted Custom Kobe AF1 LeBron 8 Hybrid Details

The Diana Taurasi Gifted Custom Kobe AF1 LeBron 8 Hybrid is a one-of-one, made only for Diana Taurasi, and gifted to her in a custom glass display case. Unless you’re ready to go Ocean’s 11 at Taurasi’s house (please don’t do that), this pair won’t be joining your collection. To keep up with the latest news from around the sneaker world, download the Sole Retriever App.

Zach Harris

Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com