On January 22, 2006, Kobe Bryant delivered the greatest scoring performance ever televised, erupting for 81 points against Jalen Rose, Chris Bosh, and the Toronto Raptors in a Lakers home win. Bryant shot 60% from the field, 7-for-13 from three, and 90% from the free-throw line, finishing the night with just two assists in true Mamba fashion.

Bryant wore a white-and-purple player-exclusive version of the Nike Kobe 1 during the historic game. In 2007, Nike released the Kobe 1 “81 Points” to the public in limited quantities, allowing fans to own a piece of basketball history. The sneaker later returned in 2019 as part of the model’s first Protro run, updating the performance while remaining visually true to the original. Now, the iconic colorway is set to return once again in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Bryant’s legendary performance.

The Kobe 1 Protro “81 Points” modernizes the original design with upgraded performance features, replacing the split heel and forefoot Zoom Air units with a full-length Zoom Air setup. A lighter and smaller carbon fiber midfoot shank enhances responsiveness, resulting in a smoother, more continuous ride on court while preserving the silhouette’s classic look.

The Nike Kobe 1 “81 Points” has now released three times. The first came in 2007 as a limited PE-inspired drop, followed by the 2019 Protro release. The upcoming 2026 version marks the third release, honoring two decades since Kobe’s historic 81-point game.

The Nike Kobe 1 Protro “81 Points” will release on January 22, 2026, exactly 20 years after Bryant’s iconic performance. The sneaker will be available via the Nike SNKRS app and select Nike retailers, with a retail price set at $210 USD.