“Will never be topped”- Lakers fans vouch for iconic Kobe Bryant shoe as greatest Christmas Day sneaker 

Late Kobe Bryant is trending ahead of the NBA's traditional Christmas Day games. His shoes, which he wore during one particular Christmas Day game, are making the rounds on social media.

A discussion sparked on X after the popular Lakers fan page LakeShowYo posted a photo of the iconic shoe worn by Bryant, declaring it the greatest Christmas basketball shoe. Another Lakers fan echoed the sentiment, saying that the shoe can never be surpassed.

"they will never be topped. GOAT Christmas Shoe," one fan commented.

As the conversation thread grew, more fans had the same thoughts about the iconic shoes.

"Agree. Iconic," another fan tweeted.

"Kobe's Christmas kicks were unmatched! True Mamba style,"another fan added.

"Absolutely iconic.. The Grinch colorway is undefeated for Christmas vibes.," another fan wrote.

However, other fans had other ideas about the impact of the shoe on his career.

"Those shoes ruined his career," a fan wrote.

"how are these christmas shoes?," another fan added.

The iconic shoe in question is the Nike Kobe 6 "Grinch" sneaker, which made its debut on 2010 Christmas Day against the Miami Heat. The sneakers instantly became a fan favorite for their lime green color, inspired by the Grinch character from Dr. Seuss's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

The shoe has been recreated in various forms despite being originally released as a basketball shoe. It has been re-released as football cleats and Vanessa Bryant, Kobe's wife created custom, miniature versions of the shoe for her Santa dolls.

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Kobe Bryant's top 3 Christmas Day NBA games

Kobe Bryant had an illustrious career in the NBA with the LA Lakers. He was a constant feature during his prime as part of the NBA's traditional Christmas Day games.

Let's take a look at the Black Mamba's top three Christmas Day NBA games:

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#3. LA Lakers vs Cleveland Cavaliers: 2009

This game featured two of the best players in the league. LeBron James, who was with the Cavs, dominated proceedings early on.

NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers at Los Angeles Lakers - Source: Imagn

Though Kobe Bryant's Lakers lost 102-87, he dropped 35 points. The Lakers had the last laugh as they won the championship that season.

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#2. LA Lakers vs Miami Heat: 2010

This was the game in which Kobe Bryant wore the iconic Grinch sneakers. He came up against LeBron James once again but this time against him and the Miami Heat's other "Big Three" of Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

NBA: Miami Heat at Los Angeles Lakers - Source: Imagn

Although Kobe dropped 27 points, the Lakers lost the game 96-80. James stole the show with a triple-double of 27 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.

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#1. LA Lakers vs Miami Heat: 2004

This game had to come first for one reason - it was the first time Kobe Bryant faced his former teammate Shaquille O'Neal. O'Neal left the Lakers for the Heat after alleged tensions between him and Kobe.

Miami Heat vs LA Lakers... - Source: Getty

Once again, Kobe was on the losing side as the Heat won 104-102 in overtime. Bryant finished with 42 points while Shaq had 24 points and 11 rebounds.