This content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission.
While Wilt Chamberlain still holds the record for most points in a single game at 100 (though many online jokingly dispute that due to the lack of footage), on January 22, 2006, Kobe Bryant dropped 81 points against the Toronto Raptors, putting him in second place. During this game, Kobe was wearing his then-unreleased first signature sneaker with Nike, the Nike Kobe 1, and due to his insane performance, the sneakers on his feet became legendary.
Thus, the white, purple, and gold Lakers-friendly colorway became known as the “81 Point Game” colorway. Fans of the model will be happy to hear that Sole Retriever can confirm it will be re-released on the 20th anniversary of the game.
A month following the game in ‘06, the Nike Kobe 1 would hit shelves, but it wouldn’t be until 2007 that the public had a shot at the pair Bryant wore during his 81-point game. This ultra-limited release saw Nike drop 80 pairs via a 4-hour scavenger hunt on the now-defunct WHY81? website the day before the 1st anniversary of the game. The 81st pair made was auctioned off at halftime of the Lakers game on January 22, 2007, with this pair signed by Bryant himself.
The next time the pair released was in 2019 as a Protro, and this time it was widely available, though still limited. Those unaware, a Protro (performance retro) is when Nike upgrades the internal tooling and technology of a sneaker but retains the look of the original. This has become a standard for all retro releases of Kobe sneakers since it was first introduced in 2018. As for the 2026 Protro release of the Nike Kobe 1 81 Point Game, expect to see the same white, purple, and gold look from both previous renditions.
The Nike Kobe 1 Protro 81 Point Game (2026) will release on the 20th anniversary of Kobe’s 81-point game (January 22) via Nike SNKRS and select retailers online and in-store. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $210. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via DTLR
2019 Images via Nike
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy watching films and discovering music. Follow me on Letterboxd @nickvlah For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com
