Alex Caruso Ditches Anta for Nike Sneakers

Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso has ditched Anta for Kobe Bryant's Nike shoes.

The NBA is full of players who want to reach legendary status. Then there are some players like Chicago Bulls point guard Alex Caruso who want to get the most bang for their buck.

The 29-year-old has a prodigious work ethic and a clear vision for his role in the association. Caruso worked his way out of the G League, won a title with the Los Angeles Lakers, and even scored a signature sneaker deal with Anta in February 2021.

After less than two years, Caruso's time with the Chinese sports apparel brand appears to be over. As late as December, Caruso played in Anta basketball shoes. However, the former Laker has worn Nike shoes on the court since January.

Welcome to Alex Caruso's block party, Bam! pic.twitter.com/n7Lo6UUhRw

— Bulls Talk (@NBCSBulls) March 19, 2023

"The Bald Mamba," as he is lovingly referred to, has chosen to play in shoes from Kobe Bryant's signature line. Caruso wore Nike Kobes during his time in Los Angeles and has quickly returned to his favorite hoop shoe.

Caruso left Saturday night's game unrelated to the shoe with a foot injury. But once Caruso gets back on the court, he will have more heat for sneakerheads to drool over. Below is everything fans must know about Caruso's kicks.

Nike Kobe 4 Protro

A detailed look at Alex Caruso's shoes / © David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

During Saturday night's game, Caruso wore the Undefeated x Nike Kobe 4 Protro in the 'Phoenix Suns' colorway. The shoes were released in limited quantities in August 2019 for $180. According to the sneaker resale website StockX, the average resale price is $544.

Bryant, Nike, and Undefeated had a long history of collaborating on rare shoes. In 2018, the parties came together to celebrate Bryant's birthday with a series of four special colorways. 

The 'Phoenix Suns' colorway features a bright orange leather upper with purple detailing that pays tribute to Bryant's friend and acolyte, Devin Booker. Other colorways from the collection came in the colors of the Milwaukee Bucks (Giannis Antetokounmpo), San Antonio Spurs (DeMar DeRozan), and the Lakers.

Caruso will likely never make an All-Star Game, but he is a legend for providing the blueprint for knowing your role and making the most out of it. We can't wait to see the floor general back on the court soon in some more shoes from the Nike Kobe line.

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