John Kim 
UPDATED: March 16th, 2023
From the first time LeBron James laced up his new shoes and stepped on an NBA court to the exact moment the game clock hit 0:00 late last night, the King has amassed quite a stash of valuable hardware over the last decade. The last ten-plus years have been an up-and-down ride for the one named King James, who at the start reveled in the praise of being the next Michael Jordan and later immersed himself into the dark as a villain of sorts for his decision to leave his hometown behind. There’s no doubt that LeBron’s been the most beloved and hated-on professional athlete in the history of the industry, but there’s no denying his greatness and legacy in the game of basketball and his firm impression in the sneaker game thanks to his successful signature shoes.
With LeBron James just completing his second NBA Title, we’ve summarized LeBron’s career achievements with the help of the Nike LeBron kicks that were directly tied to that moment. NBA Titles, Gold Medals, All-Star Games – all of the accolades that MJ, Russell, Kobe, and the other greats have compiled over their respective careers – have been at primary focus for LeBron, who is slowly inching his way to legitimate consideration as the greatest ever. Some of these stories have a rather straight-forward story to them, while others are actually clouded by a bit of controversy (which, in fact, only made the shoes in question more coveted by sneaker collectors). Enjoy this Sneaker News feature below, and be sure to chime in by mentioning your personal favorite sneaker of this bunch.
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LeBron’s first NBA game | Nike Air Zoom Generation “First Game” – 2003
October 29th, 2003 would be LeBron James’ first NBA game after a summer’s worth of hype and excitement built a heavy load on the teenager’s shoulders. Luckily, LeBron had the will and desire to fulfill expectations, wowing the millions of viewers who tuned in with a magnificent performance of 25 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals. For this game, LeBron James wore a White/Black/Red colorway of his first signature shoe – the Nike Air Zoom Generation. The different “First Game” version actually signifies LeBron’s first “Home” Game and features a White/Red/Navy combination and the date of November 5th, 2003 embroidered on the sockliner.
LeBron James earns 2003-04 Rookie of the Year Award | Nike Air Zoom Generation “Rookie of the Year” – 2004
One of the earliest PEs in Nike LeBron history is this unreleased white/grey colorway of the Nike Air Zoom Generation. By putting up an astounding 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, LeBron was a no-brainer for the ROY award, although it was hardly a unanimous choice as his 2003 NBA Draft Class featured the likes of Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. As mentioned before, these Zoom Generation ROYs were never released.
LeBron’s first NBA All-Star game | Nike Zoom LeBron II “All-Star” – 2005
LeBron James joined an NBA All-Star team for the first time in his career and pretty much engraved a starting spot for himself for the next fifteen years. He earned the most votes at the Guard position for the Eastern Conference and helped his squad take the victory. LeBron commemorated his first-ever mid-season classic by wearing a special Grey/Blue/White colorway of the Nike Zoom LeBron II.
LeBron’s first NBA All-Star game MVP | Nike Zoom LeBron III “All-Star” – 2006
It only took two All-Star Game trips for LeBron to take home his first All-Star hardware. By dropping 29 points (leading the Eastern Conference), LeBron led the East to victory and hoisted up the individual award at the end of the game.
LeBron’s first trip to the NBA Finals | Nike Zoom Soldier – 2007
It took LeBron James four years to get to the NBA Finals, and although he and his Cleveland Cavaliers were swept away by the dominant San Antonio Spurs, the King used the experience as a building block for his future attempts at Championship glory. Surprisingly enough, LeBron James didn’t wear his signature shoe at the time (Nike Zoom LeBron IV), but instead debuted the first official model of his takedown line known as the Nike Zoom Soldier (not to forget the one-and-done Nike Zoom 20-5-5).
LeBron’s first Olympic Gold Medal | Nike Zoom LeBron VI “United We Rise/Olympic” 2008
LeBron’s racked up some individual trophies thus far – can he win one as a teammate? If you’ve got the best in the NBA representing one unit, anyone can. In 2008, LeBron James headlines a star-studded Team USA roster and helped his home country recapture the Gold Medal. Throughout the Games, he wore varying colorways of the Nike Zoom Soldier II, but for the Gold Medal affair, he turned to this special colorway of the Nike Zoom LeBron VI called “United We Rise”.
LeBron James’ First NBA MVP Award | Nike Zoom LeBron VI “MVP” – 2009
LeBron James was finally crowned King of the League in 2009 when he received his first-ever NBA MVP Award. The sneakers released in May 30th, 2009 for $150, and although they were a coveted item, the LeBron’s of years before were hardly the sought-after items like the LeBrons are today. Regardless, the MVP edition of LeBron VI is certainly one that LeBron holds dear to his heart.
LeBron James’ Second NBA MVP Award, but shoe release gets scrapped | Nike Air Max LeBron VII “MVP” – 2010
An aura of dominance was very much a part of LeBron’s game, as made evident by his second consecutive MVP award. However, a dark cloud hung over this particular trophy as his decision to leave Cleveland for greener (and far more leisurely) pastures in Miami marked him as a villain. There was no way for Nike to spin their main guy in a positive light, so Nike decided to cancel a release altogether – although several pairs made it out to the public through some channels.
LeBron James joins the Miami Heat | Nike LeBron 8 “South Beach” – 2010
Not long after the Decision, Nike had the task of launching LeBron’s eighth signature shoe to a public that quite honestly wanted nothing to do with the guy. Sneakerheads are far more forgiving than sports fans are, as the brightly-colored Nike LeBron 8 “South Beach” made a loud and clear statement that the King was rocking Miami colors for a while. It took some time for LBJ to get on the good side of some fans, but for sneakerheads, the South Beach was undoubtedly one of the most significant sneakers of this era, opening the door to a mighty influx of bright and enticing colorways.
LeBron James predicts multiple Championships, but falls short on his first try | Nike LeBron 8 Low “Miami Nights/Flamingo” – 2011
LeBron, Wade, Bosh, and whoever else was on that 2010-11 roster was supposed to take the trophy in their inaugural year, but Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks were having none of it. Instead, LeBron James and the Heat fell to the Mavericks in just six games. While there were no specific markings on this special “Miami Nights/Flamingo” colorway of the shoe, it was made rather clear based on timing and the concept that these were a “parade” shoe for when the Heat won the Championship. Of course, things didn’t unfold as planned, but Nike released them anyway in very limited numbers overseas and in Miami.
LeBron James harnesses The Hunger Games facing elimination in Game 6 Eastern Conference Finals win | Nike LeBron 9 Elite “Hunger Games” PE – 2012
Whether history often reflects it or not, seldom doubt began rumbling through Miami Beach after the Big 3’s loss to the Mavericks in the 2011 NBA Finals. Facing elimination the following postseason in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Celtics, uncertainty continued to permeate. What followed was a legacy-cementing performance from LeBron James featuring 45 points, 15 boards and the iconic appearance of the Nike LeBron 9 Elite “Hunger Games”.
Throughout the 2010s The King was inexplicably linked to the New York Times Best Selling Series. His workouts featured the movie trilogy in the background while a true pop culture moment occurred when he was shown on television reading the first book ahead of Game 4 of the Semi-Finals vs. the Pacers. Nicknamed after his obsession with the series and subsequent inspiration siphoned, vibrant red hues cast across the laces and mid-foot Swoosh were surrounded by a clad black ensemble consuming the kevlar-constructed upper and Pro Combat padding of the luxury performance model.
While James wore the aforementioned PE inscribed with the number “6” in Game 4 of the opening round against the Knicks and sequentially in Game 4 against Boston, the 19-point blow-out win not only fueled the Heat to their first of two Championships but silenced the critics of James for one of the first times in his career.
LeBron James wins his first NBA Championship | Nike LeBron 9 Elite “Championship” – 2012
Winless no more: LeBron won his first NBA Championship in 2012, easily handling the energetic and talented Oklahoma City Thunder in just five games. During the series, LeBron whipped out one of the best in-game Player Exclusives we’ve ever laid eyes on – the Red/Black/Gold Nike LeBron 9 Elite. After the Ring was secured, Nike released the shoes as part of the two-pair Pack – the other shoe honoring LeBron’s third NBA MVP Award.
LeBron runs the table, takes home a second Olympic Gold Medal | Nike LeBron X+ “Olympic” – 2012
The Summer of 2012 was an incredible time for LeBron James. After taking home the NBA MVP Award, his first Championship Ring, and his first NBA Finals MVP Award, LeBron James got back to work with Team USA and battled the world at the Olympics in London. Throughout the Games, LeBron wore the next-gen Nike Lunar Hyperdunk+, which featured Nike’s all-new Nike+ Basketball technology, but for the Gold Medal Game against Spain, he offered up a first look at the Nike LeBron X+, which also featured the amazing tech-y capabilities.
LeBron James is youngest four-time NBA MVP | Nike LeBron X “MVP” – 2013
Earlier this year, LeBron James was crowned as the NBA MVP again, joining an astoundingly exclusive club of legends in Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Bill Russell, and Wilt Chamberlain. What made LeBron’s achievement extra sweet was that was the youngest to ever do it. Nike commemorated LeBron’s excellence with the release of the Nike LeBron X “MVP”, which featured the popular “What The” arrangement of colorways.
LeBron James wins second NBA Championship | Nike LeBron X Elite “Championship” – 2013
LeBron was forty seconds away from losing in the NBA Finals for a third time. However, a clutch three-pointer and a near buzzer-beater by teammate Ray Allen gave Miami some new life and forced OT. The Heat lived to fight another day, and Game 7 went to the Home squad in one of the most exciting NBA Finals in the event’s history. Just last last year, LeBron wore a snazzy Red/Gold/Black Player Exclusive, and similarly, Nike confirmed plans to release the shoes as part of the two-pair package. The other pair? The controversial yet now-innocuous Nike LeBron X Low “MVP”, which leaked earlier this week.
LeBron James misses three-peat, suffers from terrible cramps | Nike LeBron Soldier 7 PE – 2014
LeBron James was going for the three-peat in 2014, but the series got off to an incredibly bizarre start. Game 1 took place in San Antonio and malfunctioning A/C systems caused the temperature inside the arena to rise up to 90 degrees. This may have caused LeBron’s crippling cramps, which limited him to just five minutes of action in the fourth quarter. It didn’t matter much, because the Spurs dismantled the Heat throughout the series and prevented LeBron’s third straight NBA title.
The Decision is reversed | DJ Clark Kent x Nike LeBron 8 “112”
In a shocking turn of events, LeBron James opted out of his contract with Miami and made the decision to return to Cleveland. The announcement came via a Sports Illustrated exclusive editorial by LeBron himself. The city of Cleveland welcomed him back with open arms, with a massive “return” party introducing LeBron as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers once again.
LeBron’s 5th straight NBA Finals ruined by Golden State | Nike LeBron 12 “Gold” PE – 2015
LeBron James delivered on his promise, almost. He led Cleveland back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2007, but key injuries to Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving left the Cavs severely under-manned against the Golden State Warriors. Still, LeBron kept the series incredibly close, but fell to Steph Curry and Dub Nation in six games.
King James Brings First Championship To Cleveland In 52 Years | Nike LeBron Soldier 10 – 2016
Without question, LeBron’s third NBA Finals championship was his sweetest. He succumbed to his emotions and fell to the ground in tear as he saw all his effort and commitment amount to the greatest comeback in NBA history. Down 3-1 against the record-setting Golden State Warriors, LeBron James led the Cavs to three straight victories with performances that were either on par with, or surpassed that of Michael Jordan. When he didn’t feel his offensive game going on all cylinders, he made key passes, trusted his teammates, and sealed a victory with perhaps the greatest block in NBA history.
LeBron stars in his Los Angeles Lakers debut | Nike LeBron 16 “The King” – 2018
In 2016 LeBron James made good on his promise from two years prior, bringing a championship back to the city of Cleveland for the first time in 52 years. After the work was done, James set his sights on the next chapter of his career in sunny Los Angeles while his debut in the Lakers purple and gold would instead take place on a rainy October evening in the Pacific Northwest.
Back-to-back tomahawk slams in the Nike LeBron 16 “The King” provided a momentous occasion for James’ first points as a Laker, alongside 26 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. Released at tip-off via the Nike SKRS app, the pair came doused in “Team Red” while a cheetah print heel counter called to the African translation of LeBron’s name – which translates to King – as well as his first-ever Nike commercial.
LeBron passes Kobe Bryant for No. 3 in All-Time Points Scored | Nike LeBron 17 “Mamba” PE – 2020
As a high school junior, LeBron James met Kobe Bryant for the very first time. 18 years later while suiting up in the same regal purple that the Black Mamba re-iconized throughout his 20-year career, James surpassed the late basketball legend and his idol for #3 on the NBA’s All-Time Scoring list.
Preparing for the ceremonious occasion in Bryant’s hometown of Philadelphia with the LeBron 17 “Mamba” PE, the jet-black pair received an honorary snakeskin treatment along the tongue construction with opposing purple and gold laces. Inscribing Kobe’s 33,643-point total in golden cursive, the upper tongue’s LA insignia dawned a brown chenille in connection to the two Laker champion’s shared Nike Puppet commercial from 2009.
LeBron wins fourth NBA Title with the Los Angeles Lakers | Nike LeBron 18 “Sisterhood” – 2020
Four years after bringing championship glory back to Cleveland, LeBron James further cemented his greatness by securing his fourth NBA title with his third franchise alongside Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2020 Orlando Bubble.
Honoring the collective spirit and accomplishments of Black women, the “Sisterhood” 18’s came fully dipped in a tonal “Melon Tint” while leaving the tongue’s translucent Air bubbles unchanged for contrast. Bringing a close to one of the most unusual NBA seasons with the Laker’s first championship in a decade, James simultaneously etched his name alongside fellow LA Hall of Famers while finishing off another historic chapter in his signature brand.
LeBron becomes first player in NBA History to record 30K points, 10K rebounds and 10K assists | Nike Ambassador 13 “Black/White” PE – 2022
If you’re looking for ammunition in the GOAT debate, look no further than the statistical upper-echelon spaces in which LeBron James presides by himself. In March 13th of 2022, James made history as the first player in the League’s history to record 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists. While he already achieved the latter accomplishments, his second assist of the night welcomed James into the illustrious 30K-10K-10K Club while sporting a simplistic “Black/White” colorway of his overseas-exclusive Ambassador 13.
LeBron is crowned as the NBA’s Scoring King | Nike LeBron 20 “Hot Pink” PE – 2023
For one single night, LeBron James held the entire sporting landscape in the palm of his hand as he surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s All-Time Scoring leader. Following weeks of tracking graphics and an uptick in the GOAT debate, James secured the No. 1 rung on the ladder while boasting a monochromatic “Hot Pink” player exclusive of his Nike LeBron 20.
