Kyrie Irving, the nine-time NBA All-Star currently recovering from an injury, is set to release a new shoe on February 7. This release is a tribute to Kobe Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers legend who was a significant mentor to Irving. The shoe features a striking purple and gold color scheme, reflecting the Lakers’ iconic colors and celebrating Bryant’s legacy.
The Chinese sportswear brand ANTA recently revealed images of the KAI 3 “Kai Mentality,” which pays homage to Bryant. Irving spoke about his close relationship with the late star:
“When the student is ready, the teacher will appear,”
and
“I had that mentorship relationship with him, where I was able to ask him almost anything. You know no matter how nervous I was or how fearful I was, he was just easy to approach with those type of questions about what goes on in the day-in and day-out basis of chasing something that’s bigger than yourself and when you’re trying to leave a legacy or something of a mark on a game.”
Transitioning from Nike to ANTA Basketball
Before joining ANTA in 2023, Kyrie Irving spent over a decade with Nike. His new five-year contract with ANTA extends beyond his active playing career and offers him a unique creative role. Upon signing, Irving expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, saying:
“I’m incredibly excited about this collaboration,”
and
“The first step in becoming partners is to share the same dreams, goals, and missions. ANTA’s rapid development over the years, openness to creativity, willingness to embrace family and teamwork, expertise in areas like product innovation and manufacturing processes have left a remarkable impression on not just me, but also my A11Even team who will work side by side with me in creating something truly generationally special.”
Irving was named Chief Creative Officer for ANTA Basketball, a role that gives him full creative control over the brand’s basketball segment. This appointment means a great deal to him personally and professionally. Irving said,
“Being appointed as ANTA Basketball’s Chief Creative Officer is more than just a realization of my dreams; in fact, it may be the perfect opportunity for me, an individual who always dreams big and values independent thinking, to leverage my artistic talents to build, create, and unify the culture both on and off court.”
Fourth Signature Shoe with ANTA to Launch During All-Star Weekend
The KAI 3 marks Irving’s fourth signature shoe with ANTA, following the launch of his first model, the KAI 1, which debuted in March 2024. His ongoing collaboration with ANTA highlights the unique partnership he has with the company, reflecting more than just his role as an athlete but also as a creative force.
Despite being sidelined due to injury this season, Irving remains a dominant figure in basketball. His influence extends beyond gameplay, especially through his creative leadership with ANTA. The upcoming shoe release, timed with the NBA All-Star weekend, is expected to attract significant attention and build momentum for both Irving and the brand.
With this new Kobe Bryant-inspired shoe, Kyrie Irving continues to pay tribute to his mentor while advancing his own legacy, blending basketball excellence with creative innovation. The release is likely to resonate deeply with fans honoring Bryant’s memory and will position Irving as a significant influencer in basketball culture for years to come.
KAI MENTALITY: ANTA unveils the KAI 3 “Kai Mentality,” draped in purple and gold as a nod to Kyrie Irving’s friend and mentor Kobe Bryant 🤞🐍 @KyrieIrving
🗓️ February 7th pic.twitter.com/Gi4uaXjZiJ
— Sole Retriever (@SoleRetriever) February 2, 2026
Kyrie Irving Has ANTA KAI Slip-On Mules on the Way 👀 pic.twitter.com/gwp4AZPCEw
— House of Heat° (@houseofheat) November 12, 2025
