Basketball fans from all over the world tuned into Saturday night's game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers. Every player brought out their best sneakers for the first game of the Western Conference Playoff series.
However, the biggest footwear news stemmed from pre-game warmups. Lakers forward LeBron James quietly debuted the NBA's next official Nike sock.
According to Nick DePaula of Boardroom, James debuted the upcoming new NBA socks before tip-off on Saturday night. Check out the social media post below.
LeBron James debuts the upcoming new NBA socks — featuring Nike’s “Unicorn Dri-Fit ADV” design and recycled material.
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) April 20, 2025
Look for all teams to begin wearing these new NBA socks next season. pic.twitter.com/hb2os01d2z
The new sock features Nike's "Unicorn Dri-Fit ADV" design and recycled material. One of the most notable changes is the placement of the Nike Swoosh logo.
The Nike Swoosh logo placement is far more subtle, moving from the top of the front to the middle of the back. This is no doubt the result of non-Nike players flipping over the top of their socks to hide the Swoosh logos.
Nike secured the official NBA uniform and apparel rights in 2017. Before Nike, Stance was the official provider of socks in the NBA.
Of note — the new NBA sock’s Swoosh placement is more subtle and on the back.
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) April 20, 2025
Since 2017, the prior sock featured a larger Swoosh at top. (Non-Nike players often flip the top to hide the Swoosh.) https://t.co/XRzUmDGO9r
Last night's socks were just a sneak peek as James changed back into the league's current official socks for the game. However, fans can expect teams to begin wearing the new Nike socks next NBA season.
In addition to changing socks before the game, James changed sneakers. He went from the Nike LeBron 22 "Monopoly All-Star" to the player-exclusive "Electric Pack" colorway, which he first wore during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Stay locked into Sports Illustrated's Kicks On SI for all your footwear news from the NBA and beyond.
First Look: Ja Morant unveils the Nike Ja 3 for the NBA Playoffs.
Austin Reaves drops "Hillbilly Kobe" sneakers for the NBA Playoffs.
Tyrese Haliburton's played-edition PUMA sneakers are dropping in Indiana Pacers colors.
Trae Young debuted the Air Jordan 39 "Lemon Pepper" in his possible last game with the Hawks.
Nike has officially launched Kevin Durant's 18th signature sneaker — the Nike KD18.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!