John Kim 
For the first time ever, the NBA All-Star Game heads to international waters. Ever since the star-studded exhibition kicked off in 1951, the All-Star Game was strictly a domestic affair, but things changed when the NBA expanded North in 1995 to Toronto and Vancouver and the possibility of All-Star festivities in Canada were a big possibility. It’s all happening at the right time for Toronto; the franchise is playing its best basketball in its twenty-year history, but the city itself, already a well-known cultural and ethnic melting pot, was put on the pop culture map thanks to Drake and his efforts in the world of hip-hop.
Nike, of course, will play a huge role yet again in the upcoming All-Star Weekend. Thirteen of the selected All-Stars represent the Swoosh, and three of them are among the ten selected by fans across the globe. To reflect the international nature of the game, Nike Basketball presents a quintet of footwear inspired by the origins of the city’s royal structure and the colorful essence of the people of Toronto. The entire Nike Basketball Royalty Collection for All-Star Weekend launches on February 11th on Nike.com at select stores, so check the individual breakdown below.
The LeBron 13 for King James
LeBron James heads to Toronto for his twelfth straight NBA All-Star appearance, which is also his twelfth straight starting nod. He will headline an impressive roster of Nike athletes while wearing the Nike LeBron 13 inspired by the neutral tones of Toronto’s winter.
The Kobe 11 for the Black Mamba
For his final NBA season, Kobe Bryant has been selected by the fans to start for the Western Conference in the upcoming mid-February classic. Inspired by the Northern lights, the Kobe 11 “All-Star” makes use of black and minty green tones, a sculpted heel, and small patches on the enlarged tongue.
The KD 8 for Easy Money Sniper
Kevin Durant is having another MVP-caliber year for OKC, so it’s no surprise that the globally popular superstar was one of the three frontcourt players selected for the Western Conference All-Star team. He’ll take the court in a Nike KD 8 with colors inspired by the international flags that fly proudly across the city.
The Air Max Audacity for The Brow
Team Nike got a big boost when it signed Anthony Davis after he was drafted. He quickly rose to stardom thanks to his versatile play, and in two weeks he’ll bolster the Western Conference All-Star squad with his size and strength. Watch him lace up the Air Max Audacity with a sick “The Brow” treatment on the Air unit.
The Hyperlive for YG_Trece
Has any player bounced back from injury like Paul George has? It’s hard to erase that gruesome memory, but PG has reminded us night in and night out that his future is as bright as ever. Look for Paul George to posterize someone while wearing the low-cut Hyperlive in this maple leaf red colorway.
