Nike officially pulled back the curtain on the LeBron XXIII “Forever King” collection Wednesday, unveiling the latest footwear and apparel created for Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James as he enters an unprecedented 23rd NBA campaign.
The signature shoe arrives in 23 distinct colorways, each intended to highlight a separate moment from James’s career. For the first time in the line’s history, the model incorporates a full-length ZoomX drop-in midsole teamed with a newly developed Crown Containment System, technology designed to boost energy return and on-court responsiveness.
“The LeBron XXIII represents the long-standing partnership I share with Nike, pushing design and innovation to support my game and reflect my journey,” James said in a statement. “More than two decades later, we’re still inspiring the next generation with a shoe built for greatness.”
Senior Director of Men’s Basketball Footwear Ross Klein added that direct contact between the foot and ZoomX foam “delivers an unmatched level of connectivity and court feel,” praising the material’s combination of energy return, light weight and responsiveness.
Beyond the footwear, Nike introduced the “Forever King” apparel capsule, which features elevated sportswear along with premium jerseys and shorts referencing key phases of James’s career.
The first shoe, dubbed the “Uncharted” colorway, will debut in China on Sept. 25. Global availability through nike.com and select retailers is set for Oct. 3.
Mark Cuban on the Jordan vs. LeBron debate
The collection’s release coincides with renewed discussion about James’s place in NBA history. Dallas Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban recently compared James with six-time champion Michael Jordan, noting that their contrasting skill sets and personalities make direct comparisons difficult.
Jordan’s perfect 6-0 NBA Finals record and two separate three-peats are often cited by supporters, while James’s longevity continues to reshape the league’s record books as he prepares for his 23rd season in 2024-25.
Source: Lakers Nation
