Sneaker News 
Witnessing LeBron James’ entrance into his thirties puts a lot of things into perspective. For one, it’s hard to believe that his first NBA game, which many of you will likely remember vividly, was a little over eleven years ago. It’s been a long journey for King James, who experienced the ups and downs of stardom and weighty responsibility that few players in league history had to deal with, but he’ll tell you first that he wouldn’t change anything (except for The Decision).
As a tribute to LeBron, who turned 30 years old today, we looked back at thirty significant moments of LeBron James’ climb to the top of the food chain. The wins, the losses, the funny and serious moments in between – this gathering of stories should best summarize the storied career of the Akron native (and he’s nowhere close to being finished). Check out the feature below, which starts a year before his NBA debut.
High-School LeBron Sits Courtside at Wizards, Meets Michael Jordan
LeBron James was one of the courtside guests at a Wizards game, and later got the chance to meet his idol outside the locker room. On his feet was the Nike Shox VC II.
The King vs. The Kings
25 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds. On October 29th, 2003, LeBron made his NBA debut under immense pressure and proved himself worthy – and then some. His first dunk would later serve as the iconic Dunkman logo featured prominently throughout his signature line.
LeBron Puts on Show at the Rookie Challenge
It could be argued that LeBron James should’ve been an All-Star in his rookie year, but he wasn’t shunned from all of All Star Weekend’s activities. Wearing the “Wheat” Zoom Generations, LeBron poured in 33 points and 6 assists in a 142-118 loss to the Sophomores.
All-Star Game Debut
LeBron went from missing the ASG in his rookie year to not only starting, but proving he belonged amongst the NBA’s elite in his second. He put up respectable numbers too – 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists while donning that Cool Grey/Varsity Royal LeBron 2 pair.
LeBron Becomes Youngest All-Star Game MVP
LeBron quit being mister nice guy, and only dished out two assists while becoming the youngest player in league history to hoist the All-Star Game MVP trophy. His 29 points and a close 122-120 East victory got him the trophy.
“Fruity Pebbles” Get Poured On The Court
One of LeBron’s most memorable in-game sneaker selections was the LeBron IV “Fruity Pebbles”. The upper was drenched in surreal cereal inspirations and would later be referenced in this year’s What The LeBron 11. Of course, there are several more notable moments during which LeBron wore some incredible kicks, but this one’s one of the best and certainly a highlight of the LeBron IV.
Kings James Reaches His First NBA Finals
LeBron James was rocking Soldiers during the Playoffs well before he was making headlines this year. Unfortunately this is a wear he’d likely rather forget; the Cavs were swept 4-0 by the San Antonio Spurs.
LeBron Takes Home Another All-Star Game Trophy
LeBron recorded a near triple double en route to his second NBA All-Star Game MVP trophy in three years with 27 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds in another close East victory.
Crowned King of the NBA
At 24 years old, LeBron took home the 2008-2009 NBA MVP award with a whopping 109 first place votes. Just to put that in perspective: Kobe Bryant came in second place in the balloting with only 2 first place votes to his name. The LeBron 6 would be his first signature shoe to get the MVP treatment – a shoe he would wear in-game.
No question, one of the Greatest Playoff Games in NBA History
LeBron singlehandedly took on the Pistons in the 4th quarter and OT. He poured in 25 straight points and 29 of the team’s last 30 en route to victory. Truly a performance of Jordan-esque proportions.
“Mom, Sit Yo Ass Down”
Here’s the scoop: Paul Pierce wrapped up a breakaway LeBron in an effort to prevent a score. When the play ended in the stands right by where Gloria James was sitting, she had some harsh words for Mr. Pierce. LeBron wanted to handle business on his own and in so many words told his mom to sit down and stay of the game.
The 2008 Redeem Team
LeBron’s time spent in the 2004 Olympics didn’t make this list. It might have something to do with the fact that LeBron was a reserve and the team underachieved for a Bronze finish. In 2008 the ‘Redeem’ Team set out with one mission – crush opponents en route to bringing back the Gold Medal to America. Consider it a mission accomplished.
Poor Sportsmanship, Or Too Hurt From The Loss?
With all of the secret handshakes LeBron has in his repertoire, you’d think he would’ve been able to give Dwight and the Magic a polite dap when Orlando beat the Cavs to move on to the Finals. Disappointment is a tricky game though, as LBJ pulled a Bad Boys era Isiah Thomas and walked off the court without paying proper respect. A notable blemish on pre-Decision LeBron’s resume.
Jay-Z’s Friendship with LeBron, in Sneaker Form
‘All Black Everything’ became a motto to describe murdered out colorways and we have Jay-Z to thank for that. The Nike Air Max LeBron 7 got a premium ostrich leather and suede in an ominous Triple Black and the insole even had a list of feats that Jay-Z accomplished throughout his rap career.
The Decision
For what will surely go down as one of the biggest media related sports fiascos of all time, on July 8, 2010, LeBron kept it casual in the Nike Toki for his announcement of leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers to “take his talents to South Beach”.
South Beach LeBron 8s at House of Hoops Miami
Still one of the most hyped sneakers ever, the “South Beach” colorway of the LeBron 8 caused quite a stir when it released in 2010. LeBron wasted no time fitting into his new hometown, rocking a matching Marlins hat (we thought he was a Yankees fan?) with his pair of South Beaches at the sneaker’s release at House of Hoops in Miami.
“Cannon” LeBron 9 During NBA Lockout
As the slogan goes, “Basketball Never Stops”, and it didn’t during the NBA lockout in 2011. Not able to take the court in the NBA, many of the league’s top stars got together to hoop for the South Florida All-Star Classic in October. For the event, LeBron debuted the “Cannon” colorway of the LeBron 9, which may be partly to thank for why it’s gone down as one of the best colorways of the shoe.
LeBron James Singlehandedly Wins Game 6 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals
45 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists. That was LeBron’s stat line for one of his all-time greatest playoff performances when he lead the Heat to a Game 6 win (on the brink of elimination) against the Celtics in the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals. Were it not for that game, LeBron and the Heat would’ve been 0 for 2 in Championships. On his feet were a stealthy black and red-accented pair of the LeBron 9 Elite that were just as mean as his game.
Triple Double Performance to Clinch First NBA Title
Silencing his haters (at least temporarily), LeBron clinched his first NBA title in 2012 against the Thunder with authority: recording a triple double of 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists in the Game 5 win. He finished off his Finals MVP earning performance in a home colorway of the LeBron 9 Elite.
LeBron leads Team USA to Olympic Gold
To complete his epic summer of 2012 after winning his first title, LeBron went on to help lead Team USA to another gold medal at the summer Olympics. Meanwhile, sneaker fans got their first on-court look at the LeBron 10 on Bron’s feet in the USA colorway.
LeBron Tackles Fan After Hitting $75,000 Winning Half Court Shot
Everybody is still wondering why LeBron go so excited about this, but it makes for an entertaining little piece of Bron-Bron’s history. Also, the lucky fan’s Carmex hoodie gave inspiration for one of the hottest PE colorways of the LeBron X.
Game-Sealing Steal and Dunk vs. Knicks at MSG
Yep, that’s how you seal up a game in style. On his feet: the LeBron X in one of his many PE colorways. LeBron has always made it a point to show up and show out at the Garden, and this heady play is just a summary of what his games in NY have been like.
Brutal, Soul-Crushing Dunk on Jason Terry
On the receiving end of the most memorable posterizations in recent NBA history was Jason Terry. On March 18, 2013 LeBron absolutely destroyed the JET for a very meme-worthy dunk while wearing a LeBron X PE.
Two In A Row
It took seven games, but LeBron and the Heat won their second straight NBA title in 2013 against the San Antonio Spurs. LeBron sealed the deal in the final moments of the game with a 19-foot dagger and three free throws (finishing with 37 points) to take home his second NBA title and Finals MVP awards, solidifying his quest for all-time NBA greatness. On his feet were the amazing red, black, and gold LeBron X Elite PE.
LeBron’s Got A Thing For Retros
About a year ago, LeBron, who rarely showed himself wearing his past kicks, showed off his “First Game” Air Zoom Generations on Instagram. Several weeks later, he showed off a couple of 1-of-1 PEs of the LeBron 2 and LeBron 3, which sent the sneaker community in a frenzy. Unfortunately, the presumed Retro release of the earlier LeBrons never happened.
The Silence
After hitting a game-winning three-pointer against the Warriors, LeBron vigilantly stomped to the opposite side of the court and debuted his now famous celebration known as “The Silence”.
LeBron Scores a Career-High 61
OK, so it may have been against the Bobcats, but 61 points is impressive no matter what. On March 3, 2014, a masked LeBron dumped his career high on Charlotte while wearing a “home” PE colorway of the Zoom Soldier 7.
Lance Stephenson’s Ear Blow Incident
Perhaps one of the lowlights of LeBron’s career, but noteworthy nonetheless. Who could ever forget the time Lance tried to rile up LeBron by blowing in his ear? Priceless. For the momentous occasion, LeBron wore a red and black PE of the Zoom Soldier 7.
The “Cramp Game”
Things went from bad to worse for the Heat in Game 1 of the 2014 NBA Finals. First the air conditioning went out, resulting in the arena reaching a reported 90 degrees during the game. This led to all players on both teams being fatigued, but none worse than LeBron who exited the game early with severe leg cramps. The Spurs would go on to win Game 1, and then the entire series. Could LeBron wearing the Zoom Soldier 7’s in a Spurs-friendly silver and black colorway have doomed the series?
Return of the King
To the delight of Cleveland fans and the dismay of Miami fans, LeBron made the decision to go back to the Cavaliers this summer. For his highly publicized return to Cleveland on October 30th, 2014, LeBron also debuted the all-new LeBron 12 on court in two different PE colorways matching the Cavs’ new alternate uniforms for each half.
