"Siempre Hermanos" Nike Kobe 8 Tells Story of Brotherhood

Initially believed to be part of the Swoosh's greater Lunar New Year Collection, the Nike Kobe 8 EXT Protro in a "Light Orewood Brown" isn't part of a "Year of the Horse" lineup. Instead, the horse shoe-decorated basketball sneaker speaks to the brotherhood and interest in the same gelding between Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol.

Confirmed by a newly-surfaced Air Force 1 Protro, the Nike Basketball offering features "Siempre Hermanos" messaging on its detachable horse shoe-shaped lace dubrae. The two-word phrase is Spanish for "Always Brothers." Nods to the Los Angeles Lakers' NBA Championship wins in 2009 and 2010 share the stage with the message, hinting at Gasol being a muse for the project.

The sneaker—officially clad in a "Light Orewood Brown/Summit White/Red Stardust/Baroque Brown" color scheme—references the story of Bryant and Gasol buying stakes in Siempre Mio, a gelding born in California in 2008. Others ultimately claimed the 4-year-old horse after a loss in June 2012, but the connection between NBA teammates remained.

The impending Kobe 8 Protro features some details inspired by horses and Western-wear, but not to the degree of the proper "Year of the Horse" Kobe 8 EXT Protro. Nevertheless, the commemorative style keeps Bryant's legacy alive six years after his tragic passing.

Stay tuned for firm launch details and detailed product shots of the "Siempre Hermanos" shoe. Pairs could release via Nike.com by the end of July.

Away from the Swoosh universe, New Balance Basketball is looking to make some noise on the hardwood with models like the P400.