2019 NBA All-Star Game: Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo Wearing Nike Zoom Kobe 4 To Thank Thanasis
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

While Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is set to play in a third consecutive NBA All-Star Game, this year marks his first time doing so as one of the top two-vote getters in the league.

As such, Antetokounmpo and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James were anointed as captains who drafted their respective teams for the exhibition contest. The All-Stars were on the court Saturday for team practices, which provided fans a look at any chemistry and players’ footwear.

For Antetokounmpo, a Nike brand athlete, it meant stepping out in a Nike Zoom Kobe 4. While a Protro model released during All-Star Weekend, specifically the ‘Draft Day’ colorway, the pair Antetokounmpo wore was white/red.

It’s a general release from the time Bryant’s signature line was on its fourth model, but one Antetokounmpo explained has sentimental meaning, via the Bucks’ Twitter account:

“Back in the day, Thanasis got a deal in Greece with a team called… It doesn’t matter what it’s called. But he got this pair of shoes — Kobe 4. He was 18, I was 16, we were kind of the same height and wore the same size at the time. He had a lot of pairs of shoes and he was willing to share these with me, because I loved Kobe at the time. He used to wear them some games, I would wear them other games. So basically, I’m wearing this shoe in the All-Star Game so I can say thank you to Thanasis for sharing these shoes with me.”

Bryant wore a red-based Kobe 4 for the 2009 All-Star Game in Los Angeles.

Family importance to Antetokounmpo has been on full display in Charlotte as he’s been joined by brothers, Thanasis and Kostas. The trio was sitting courtside for All-Star Saturday Night as Khris Middleton competed in the 3-point Contest.

Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo has worn various model’s from Bryant’s line with Nike but will soon begin playing in his own signature model. “They’re going to be awesome, man,” he said at All-Star Game Media Day. “They’re going to be awesome.

“I don’t think I can give away too much, but first reaction, amazing grip, it’s going to be safe for your ankles and feet. What else can I say? And crazy designs.”

Reminder: Vivid Seats is the Official Ticket Reseller of LakersNation.com. New Customers use “LAKERSNATION” (all CAPS) in the Vivid Seats App on your phone and get 10% off any Lakers home game ticket order for the remainder of the season.

You May Also Like

NBA News: LeBron James Will Not Run For Union Presidency

LeBron James is not only one of the most well known players…

Lakers Rumors & News Recap: Pau Gasol Out For 12 Weeks

Following FAST knee procedures, two-time NBA champion Pau Gasol will not be…

2020 NBA Playoffs: Trail Blazers’ Zach Collins Missing Remainder Of Season

The Portland Trail Blazers announced Zach Collins suffered a hairline medial malleolus stress fracture of his left…

Stephen Curry, LeBron James Among Players Fully On Board With New NBA All-Star Game Draft Format

For the first time in league history, the NBA All-Star Game was not a matter of Western Conference matching up against…