NBA guard Jalen Brunson, who has led the New York Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Championship since the 1999-2000 season, has reportedly turned down the chance to have a signature sneaker with Nike. Instead, Brunson chooses to wear Nike sneakers honoring the late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, a decision rooted in personal loyalty and respect for Kobe’s legacy.
Details of Brunson’s Decision and His Connection to Kobe Bryant
Insider Ric Mestre, known as Unstructed Vision on social media, revealed during a podcast episode of The Grindhouse Inc. that discussions took place within Nike about creating a signature shoe for Brunson. However, Brunson politely refused the offer, expressing that he prefers to continue wearing Kobe’s shoes throughout his career. Mestre shared,
“The discussions recently have been if Jalen would have his own signature shoe with Nike,”
and added,
“And internally, the discussions have gone on, and it’s gotten to a point now where Jalen’s 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.’”
This attachment is deeply tied to Brunson’s personal history. He met Kobe Bryant when he was 14 years old, on Christmas Day in 2014, receiving a pair of Kobe’s Nike Kobe 9 Elite Christmas sneakers. Since then, Brunson, who is the son of former NBA player Rick Brunson, has remained loyal to Kobe’s signature line whenever signing with Nike.
Brunson’s Continued Tribute through Kobe Bryant’s Signature Footwear
Brunson’s homage to Kobe remains strong. On Kobe’s birthday last year, August 23, Nike released the Kobe 3 Protro Halo sneakers, featuring Brunson in an advertisement alongside Kobe’s daughter, Natalia Bryant. More recently, Brunson was seen wearing the newly launched Nike Kobe 3 Low in a Knicks-inspired colorway, further underscoring his commitment to honoring Kobe’s memory through his footwear choice.
The Broader Impact of Brunson’s Choice on His Image and Brand
Brunson’s decision to forgo his own signature sneaker in favor of wearing Kobe’s iconic shoes highlights a unique respect and connection to an NBA Hall of Famer, setting him apart in a league where players often pursue personal branding through their own lines. This choice may resonate strongly with fans who share admiration for Kobe Bryant, reinforcing Brunson’s image as a player driven by legacy and respect rather than commercial gain. Looking ahead, his loyalty to Kobe’s Nike line could continue shaping his public identity and relationship with the brand, while also inspiring conversations about athlete endorsements and personal values.
Jalen Brunson prefers wearing Kobes for the rest of his career over a signature shoe with Nike 😳
via: @Uninstructed718 🎥: @ChristinaFaith pic.twitter.com/yrQPwPlSFt
— Complex Sneakers (@ComplexSneakers) January 26, 2026
