When Kobe Bryan’t shoe contract with Adidas ended at the end of the 2002 season, the question in the shoe industry was when, not if, Bryant would sign with Nike.  Although Bryant entertained shoes from various other companies, his sneaker of choice during the 2002-03 season were Nikes.  One of the most intriguing pairs of shoes Bryant wore were the Air Jordan VIII in Lakers colors during a game against the Washington Wizards, and Jordan himself in March of 2003.  Bryant signed with Nike in the summer of 2003, but continued to wear a variety of Nike shoes until the development and release of the Zoom Kobe I.  The second and third models of Bryant’s signature sneaker were not as popular, mainly due to the Lakers struggles during the 2006-2008 seasons. 

As a Lakers fan and sneaker enthusiast, it was very exciting to see Bryant wear the Air Jordans, especially when playing against Jordan in the regular season and the 2003 All-Star game.  It will be equally exciting to see the NBA’s new rising stars wear some of Bryant’s retro sneakers in the future.

So the question raised here is what if? What if Bryant had never signed with Nike?  What shoe would he be wearing today?  Chime in Lakers Nation and give us your take!