LeBron James Honors Saquon Barkley With Stunning New Cleat Design 1 Apr 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

LeBron James Honors Saquon Barkley With Stunning New Cleat Design

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Sep 2, 2025 1:14 PM ET

Los Angeles Lakers veteran star LeBron James paid tribute to one NFL star through his signature cleats, as a special edition of one of his shoes was gifted to commemorate an iconic on-field moment.

Earlier this week, Philadelphia Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley took to Instagram to show off a custom-made gold pair of Nike LeBron 4 cleats that were gifted to him by the NBA Legend LeBron James. In Barkley’s unboxing video, he displayed the shiny kicks that were personally delivered to him before the Eagles kick off their 2025 regular season.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sole Retriever (@soleretriever)

The limited edition shoes hold a bigger significance to the NFL star as it was the same design and shoe that he wore during one of his most iconic plays for the 2024 season, where he pulled his famous reverse hurdle against Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones.

After fielding a swing pass near the sideline, Saquon Barkley evaded two would-be tacklers with a slick juke and spin before meeting Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones head-on. In a split-second decision, the seven-year veteran dipped low and launched himself in a 180-degree “reverse hurdle” over the standing defender, clearing Jones by inches and securing a crucial first down in spectacular fashion.

LeBron James Inspired Luka Doncic Body Transformation, Lakers Assistant Coach Revealed

Lakers assistant coach Greg St. Jean has revealed that LeBron James played a pivotal role in motivating Luka Dončić’s remarkable 31-pound offseason transformation. Sources close to the Lakers even suggest that Dončić’s renewed commitment to peak physical shape could be a decisive factor in convincing James to extend his tenure in Los Angeles.

“You know what?” the assistant coach said. “I always find this: iron sharpens iron. When you’re around really good players, it’s just like when you’re a coach, and you’re around a really good coach. You can’t help but be motivated to continue to get better at your craft.”

He also added that the motivation goes both ways, as Doncic also impacted James in more ways than one.

“I think Luka’s learned a little bit from every great player he’s been around. And I know he’s always looked up to LeBron,” the coach added. “He’s always been somebody he’s really admired. So I think having those two together is obviously motivating. I think it’s two-way motivating as well. I don’t think it’s just a one-way street.”

LeBron James Honors Saquon Barkley With Stunning New Cleat Design 2 LeBron James #23 and Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the LA Clippers on February 4, 2025 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. Adam Pantozzi, NBAE via Getty Images/AFP

LeBron James is expected to start his historic 23rd season in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers, which makes him one of the longest-playing names in the history of the league.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: