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Kyrie Irving honors mentor Kobe Bryant with new signature shoe

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving paid tribute to his late mentor, Kobe Bryant, in a meaningful way.

🕒 2/18/2026, 6:18:33 AM•253 words•EN
John Franklin Kennedy Caacbay

John Franklin Kennedy Caacbay

Kennedy Caacbay is a sportswriter for ABS-CBN News covering volleyball, basketball, and esports. He developed his passion for hoops while growing up watching the PBA. He earned his degree from the University of the Philippines Baguio.

#basketball#ANTA Philippines#Kyrie Irving#ANTA KAI 3 “Mentality”

NBA star Kyrie Irving. Photo from ANTA/Instagram

MANILA — Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving paid tribute to his late mentor, Kobe Bryant, in a meaningful way.

Irving’s latest signature release, the ANTA KAI 3 “Mentality,” honors the basketball icon with a striking purple-and-gold colorway — a clear nod to Bryant’s run with the Los Angeles Lakers where he captured five NBA titles.

READ: Basketball: 'The Professor' visits Manila

According to ANTA, the KAI 3 “Mentality” is built for elite performance. The sneaker features lightweight responsiveness, multidirectional traction, and locked-in support designed for explosive movements and total control on the court.


The KAI 3 “Mentality.” Photo from ANTA/Instagram

“The KAI 3 ‘Mentality,’ the second colorway of Kyrie’s latest signature shoe, is a tribute to a competitor he greatly respects and a former teammate on the US national team that he looks up to,” said Mikko Abello, head of marketing for ANTA Philippines.

“Just in time for the All-Star break, it’s a fitting homage to the star of all-stars,” Abello added, as the release coincides with the NBA’s All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles.

Adding a personal touch, the upper part of the shoe features a nod to Irving’s nine All-Star selections.

READ: New colorways of Kyrie Irving's Kai 2 released in PH

The KAI 3 “Mentality” drops Friday in select ANTA stores in the country.

The footwear company will also host “KAI Space Manila 2026” on February 28 at Gateway Mall in Araneta City, where the shoes take centerstage — and all sneaker enthusiasts are invited.

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