Nike and NBA 2K Continue "Gamer Exclusive" Series With New Kobe 5 Protro

Nike and NBA 2K have presented the second installment from the “Gamer Series” of exclusive unlockable kicks: Kobe Bryant‘s Kobe 5 Protro. Following up LeBron James‘ all purple LeBron 17 “2K” that debuted at the tail end of October, these new Kobe 5s can only be unlocked through the completion of an in-game challenge. You’ve got to play to win — literally.

Starting on December 26 at 10 AM EST, virtual hoopers who can surpass Bryant’s Christmas Day game high of 42 points — which the Black Mamba set in a 2004 contest against old teammate Shaquille O’Neal, Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat — and win the game will be given an opportunity to purchase these sneakers through the Nike SNKRS app. They’ll also unlock a free digital version of the design for in-game use.

The only other thing players need to do to participate is link their Nike and 2K accounts, a simple step that can be completed on 2K’s website or the Nike SNKRS app itself. There’s plenty more to come from the Swoosh and 2K over the course of the NBA season, as a whopping 10 releases are planned.

From a design standpoint, these Kobe 5s feature a classic “Chaos” color scheme, but switch out the OG design’s white accents for dark grey hues while leaving the signature purple, red and volt base fully intact. This special makeup is certainly timely, as the original “Chaos” will return to market this January.

While you wait for your opportunity to best the Mamba on December 26, take a look at Russell Westbrook‘s brand-new Jordan Why Not Zer0.3.