Sneaker News reported this week on the upcoming release of Nike’s Kobe 5 Proto “Lower Merion Aces.”
We are reminded that on May 22, 1996, 17-year-old Kobe Bryant, who had not yet graduated from Lower Merion High School, signed a $1,000,000+ deal with Adidas and an agreement to be represented by the William Morris Agency.
Almost precisely two months before “turning pro” with Adidas and the William Morris Agency (he wouldn’t be drafted by the Chalotte Hornets until June 26, 1996) led the Lower Merion Aces to the PIAA 4A Championship.