Jalen Brunson has made it clear-both with his play and his footwear-that he's not just carrying the Knicks’ hopes this season, he's doing it with purpose and style. As New York continues to climb the Eastern Conference standings, Brunson remains the engine driving the team forward. And now, he's doing it in a fresh pair of Kobe 3s that pay tribute to both his game and his mindset.
Jalen Brunson debuted a Knicks PE colourway of the Kobe 3 Low Protro 🍊 pic.twitter.com/6iYzGMxBZk
— Sneaker Freaker (@snkrfrkrmag) January 21, 2026
Brunson, who’s been a steady force since arriving in New York, has long favored Kobe Bryant’s signature Nike line over developing a signature shoe of his own. That loyalty isn’t just about aesthetics-it’s about mentality.
Brunson has openly embraced the “Mamba Mentality,” and it shows every time he steps on the court, especially in crunch time. His latest player-exclusive sneaker, the Nike Kobe 3 PE in a bold “Arancia” colorway, is a fitting extension of that mindset.
“Arancia”-Italian for “orange”-is more than just a nod to the Knicks' color scheme. It also feels like a subtle homage to Kobe’s upbringing in Italy, a detail that adds another layer of meaning to the design.
Brunson debuted the sneaker during a recent Knicks game, and later gave fans a closer look on social media. It’s already generating buzz, and for good reason.
The sneaker itself is built on the Nike Kobe 3 Low silhouette, a modern take on the model Kobe wore during his MVP season in 2008. It’s a sneaker that blends performance and nostalgia-a perfect match for Brunson’s throwback grit and modern offensive skillset. The all-orange upper is clean and commanding, while a metallic blue Nike Swoosh on the heel adds just the right amount of contrast-and a final touch of Knicks flavor.
Nike hasn’t confirmed an official release date yet, but the expectation is that the “Arancia” Kobe 3 PE will drop sometime before the NBA Playoffs. And if Brunson continues to lead the Knicks deep into the postseason, don’t be surprised if these sneakers become one of the most sought-after releases of the year.
For now, they remain a player-exclusive, but fans can expect to see Brunson rocking them regularly as the season unfolds. It’s a sneaker that captures where he is right now: locked in, leading the charge, and doing it his way-with a little help from the Black Mamba’s legacy.
Jalen Brunson shares a closer look at his Nike Kobe 3 Low “Arancia” PE 🍊 @jalenbrunson1 pic.twitter.com/WbNUZjmkwN
— Sole Retriever (@SoleRetriever) January 24, 2026