Mamba Mentality: Jalen Brunson Would Rather Wear Kobe's Than Have his Own Nike Signature Line

Is there a sneaker that you love more than any other in the world? Would you rather have an unlimited supply of that shoe, with some personalized PE colorways thrown in every once in a while, than your own signature silhouette? Apparently, that’s how much New York Knicks star Point Guard Jalen Brunson loves wearing Nike Kobe shoes.

In a new video clip from a roundtable podcast discussion posted to social media, sneaker photographer Riccardo Mestre made waves when he made a bold claim that Jalen Brunson has told Nike that he would rather wear Kobe sneakers for the rest of his career than kickstart his own signature line under Nike Basketball.

“The discussions recently have been if Jalen would have his own signature shoe with Nike,” Mestre said. “And internally the discussions have gone on, and it’s gotten to the point now, where Jalen has pretty much said, ‘I refuse, I don’t want a signature, just let me wear Kobe’s for the rest of my career, and I’ll be good.’”

It is a wild prospect to think of a superstar athlete turning down a signature shoe with Nike, but after three recent PEs, two on the Kobe 6 Protro and a new Kobe 3 Protro, Jalen has carved out a niche for himself with Kobe colorways, and frankly, we’ve seen his Knicks contract; he doesn’t need any more money from a signature line. What do you think? Do you support Jalen’s dedication to Kobe over putting his own name on a shoe?

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