Kicks

Yuta Watanabe Wears Shohei Ohtani Jersey Before Nets Game

Yuta Watanabe wore a Los Angeles Angels jersey and Air Jordan sneakers.

Pat Benson

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The first round of the NBA Playoffs is nearly over for some teams. On Thursday night, the Philadelphia 76ers took a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Brooklyn Nets. With time running out, players are getting off the last of their pregame outfits.

Nets forward Yuta Watanabe did not play in last night's game, but he still scored points for his tunnel fit. Watanabe, a native of Japan, showed love to his fellow countryman Los Angeles Angels two-way player Shohei Ohtani.

Watanabe styled his white Angels jersey with black pants, a Louis Vuitton belt, a Jordan Brand t-shirt, and Air Jordan sneakers. The hooper hit a home run in blending luxury items with more affordable pieces. 

While they are not exact matches, fans can find most of the individual components of Watanabe's outfit on the Nike website. The Jumpman t-shirt goes for $65 online, while an Ohtani jersey will cost between $135-$160 on the Nike website. Below is what fans need to know about Watanabe's kicks.

Air Jordan 12

Side view of white and black Air Jordan sneakers.
Side view of the Air Jordan 12 / Nike

Watanabe wore the Air Jordan 12 in the 'Royalty Taxi' colorway. The retro basketball shoes were last released in November 2021 for $190 in adult sizes. Fans can expect to pay close to $100 over the retail price on sneaker resale websites such as StockX, GOAT, and eBay.

Inspired by the original 'Taxi' colorway, the shoes feature a white tumbled leather upper with a black toe wrap and outsole. The gold detailing provides the finishing touches on the regal colorway.

Brooklyn's season may be coming to an end soon, but Watanabe is finishing his campaign on a strong note. Even better, Ohtani and the Angels are just getting started. Stay locked into FanNation Kicks for all your sneaker news.

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Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers the sneaker industry for Kicks On Sports Illustrated. Previously, he has reported on the NBA, authored "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)," and interviewed some of the biggest names in the sports world. You can email him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.

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