LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar, recently embarked on his 20th year in the NBA and celebrated it by becoming the leading point scorer in the league.
In 2003, LeBron James stepped on an NBA court for the first time, beginning what would become one of the most dominant careers in basketball history. Often referred to as the “King,” James has won four NBA championships, four NBA MVP awards, and two Olympic gold medals. His impact on the game of basketball, both on and off the court, has been monumental.
LeBron James’ partnership with Nike has been a key part of his success story. Shortly after his draft pick, Nike signed a $90 million deal with the 18-year-old rookie and issued a new sneaker line called Air Zoom Generation. Now, years later, the sports brand is all set to re-release the pair to celebrate the veteran’s 20 glorious years in the NBA.
Nike To Bring Back LeBron James’ “First Game” Debut Sneakers
The Air Zoom Generation was first released in late 2003, shortly after James was drafted as the first pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers. The sneakers were designed to match James’ playing style, which was characterized by his speed, power, and versatility on the court. Furthermore, the Air Zoom Generation became an instant hit among sneaker enthusiasts and basketball fans alike.
The sneakers were released in several colorways, including the iconic “First Game” colorway, which James wore during his NBA debut against the Sacramento Kings. Now, 20 years later, the sports brand will drop the “First Game” line back into the market to celebrate LeBron’s 20th year in the National Basketball league. The re-release of the Air Zoom Generation is a fitting tribute to James‘ impact on the game of basketball and beyond. Further, the shoes will likely drop on March 21 on Nike’s official mobile app and website. Moreover, the sneakers will cost around $190 per pair.
20 Glorious Years Of KING James
LeBron James is a name that went on to become the synonym for the elite game of basketball. The man showed early signs of greatness right in his debut game in 2003. Throughout his career, James became popular for his incredible athleticism, basketball IQ, and longevity on the court. At present, at the age of 38, the forward is as good as any player in their prime 20s. However, LeBron is way far from hanging up his boots just yet.
This season, LeBron James scripted history after surpassing the captain, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, in becoming the leading point scorer of the NBA. Looking forward, it is clear that James still has plenty of basketball left in him. Despite being in his late 30s, he continues to play at an incredibly high level and shows no signs of slowing down. He has also been an important mentor to younger players, and his influence on the next generation of basketball players will surely reflect for years to come.