Over the weekend, Nike introduced a special edition sneaker honoring Kobe Bryant’s Philadelphia roots, writes Earl Hopkins for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The sneaker was released in celebration of “Mamba Day,” April 13, which marked eight years since the legendary hooper’s last NBA game.

The new Kobe 4 Protro “Philly” stays true to its original 2009 design, while also “nodding to his birthplace,” according to Nike.

Among other details, the shoe features Bryant’s date of birth and his signature mantra, Mamba Mentality, printed on the insoles.

Bryant was born in Philadelphia but he spent most of his childhood in Italy, where his father played basketball. The family later relocated to Ardmore as Bryant started his basketball career at Lower Merion High School. In his senior year, he led the school to a state championship.

After joining the LA Lakers, Bryant often visited Philadelphia schools and always found the time to honor his Lower Merion basketball coach Gregg Downer.

“Since I’ve been playing in the NBA, I always come back,” said Bryant in a 2007 interview. “Always. I’ll never forget what the school has done for me, what the city has done for me.”

Read more about Kobe Bryant in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

________