The NBA changed forever on June 26, 2003.
On that Spring night, a loaded NBA Draft Class arrived on the scene and would change the course of the NBA in the 2010s. Of course, the first overall pick was a no-brainer. The kid entering the 2003 NBA Draft out of high school looked poised to take the league by storm. In something almost written out of a book, it just so happened his hometown team had the first overall pick. That evening, the Cleveland Cavaliers selected LeBron James with the first overall pick, and thus began one of the most storied careers in NBA history.
As Nike continues to tell the plethora of stories that have filled the ‘Forever King’s’ career, the ‘Best In Class’ XXIII looks to honor that famed night in NBA history.
In his time in the league since, LeBron James has gone from the baby face superstar, to the league’s villain, to the comeback kid, and, now, he looks poised to receive his roses whilst spending the twilight of his career in Los Angeles. Consider the average NBA career is typically about 5 years, it is so impressive just the amount of career arks James has lived in his 23 years in the league.
We are, now, far removed from the all-white suit. We are far removed from the narratives that he could not get it done. And, we are far removed from the smirk on James’ face as he proclaimed to have “No Worries” after winning Back-to-Back titles with the Miami Heat.
To Nike’s credit, the long-standing partnership with James has been equally filled with great narratives and iconic moments. The celebration of the LeBron XXIII seems to be continuing that long, and storied path.
This rich red design of the sneaker takes its cues from the wine-colored cap Bron donned as he walked across that stage in 2003. The upper sports a graffiti-like graphic of New York’s unmistakable skyline with crowns throughout. And, naturally, there is an apple decal on the heel with a crown-shaped bite taken out of it.
The gold contrasts on the swoosh and tongue are fit for a king of James’ stature. All the while, special packing that includes a commemorative booklet further push the storytelling aspects of this sneaker.
The ‘Best in Class’ LeBron XXIII tell the story of the moment that changed everything in the NBA. LeBron James has not only changed the way we perceive superstars in the NBA, but his career has changed the way teams across the NBA assemble. His lengthy career has been one to celebrate, and this latest LeBron XXIII goes all out to ensure that sneaker heads do.
The LeBron XXIII ‘ Best in Class releases via SNKRS and Footlocker on November 7th.
