An easter egg of a sneaker in Anthony Edwards’ career is the Nike Kobe 5 Protro, worn in the Minnesota Timberwolves 2020 preseason.
Much like the Kobe 1 and 4, the Kobe 5 Protro updates the older model with new technology. The original Kobe 5 released in 2009 with simple Zoom Air bags in the heel and forefoot. The forefoot unit gets upgraded to Zoom Turbo, with the larger bag being articulated for flexibility and more bounce. The Phylon foam in the original gets replaced with Cushlon, which is softer and better assists in energy return.
Anthony would go into his rookie season without a sneaker endorsement but soon signed with adidas. This made the Kobe 5 one of the few Nike models Edwards wore in his early career.
You can find the Nike Kobe 5 (including the Lakers colorway) at StockX, GOAT, and Flight Club.
Cover image via The Undefeated
