“The Man, The Myth, The Legend.” Kobe Bryant embodied all of these titles. He proved countless times on the court why his name belongs among the greats. At just 18, he stepped onto the NBA stage and the rest is history. In 2003, when NIKE signed him to a five-year, $40 million deal, Kobe’s name reached almost every corner of the world. Now more than a decade later, the Kobe brand under Nike and Vanessa Bryant expanded beyond the hardwood. Now, Nike is launching baseball gear alongside sneaker releases in 2025, including the Nike Kobe 6 Protro in the “Dodgers” colorway. And fans aren’t entirely on board with the move.
In a recent Instagram post by Nice Kicks, the brand showcased what appears to be a catcher’s chest protector, shin guards, and sliding mitts. All are designed in an eye-catching colorway that pays tribute to the Black Mamba. Each piece has the signature Dodgers blue, accented with white Kobe logos and Swooshes, while red detailing adds the final touch.
Nice Kicks confirmed the news in the comment section, writing, “Nike will be dropping baseball gear to match the upcoming “Dodgers” Nike Kobe 6 colorway dropping April 13 (via @eldenmonitors) The equipment includes catchers gear and sliding mitts featuring Kobe’s signature sheath logo ”
However, the announcement has sparked mixed reactions among fans. While some are eagerly awaiting the release, others are disappointed by Vanessa Bryant’s decision. They feel it strays from Kobe’s original legacy.
Fans give hateful reaction to Kobe Bryant’s wife Vanessa Bryant
Many fans expressed excitement about the sleek, Mamba-inspired baseball gear. One user, @eldenmonitors, didn’t hesitate to share their enthusiasm. He commented, “I DONT EVEN PLAY BASEBALL AND I NEED THIS ”. But alongside the hype came waves of criticism, with some fans accusing Nike and even Vanessa Bryant of exploiting Kobe’s name. Comments like these flooded the post.
One user named commented, “They are milking Kobe smh.”. Another echoed the sentiment, saying, “So they just making money off Kobe huh” . One more took it a step further, remarking, “They’re not just beating a dead horse, they’re milking it too” While one user directly called out Vanessa Bryant, writing, “ Vanessa going too far now”.
Some believe Kobe’s name and legacy are being used by Vanessa to push merchandise. They argue that the Mamba brand should remain rooted in basketball, rather than expanding into other sports. But not everyone agrees. A user named pushed back against the backlash, saying: “Some of the comments on here are weird, why would ppl be upset with Kobe’s family making money off his Apparel? But besides that the equipment looks dope”
Kobe Bryant is more than just a name he is an emotion, a symbol of hard work, dedication, and Mamba Mentality. So where do we draw the line? On one hand, Vanessa Bryant and Nike have fought to keep his influence alive for future generations. On the other, fans fear that if his name keeps getting attached to more products, it might start feeling like just another brand rather than a legacy. So, what do you think?
The post Backlash Erupts As Fans Accuse Vanessa Bryant of ‘Milking’ Kobe’s Legacy After New Dodgers Gear Unveiling appeared first on EssentiallySports.
