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The Nike LeBron 23 "Grand Opening" celebrates LeBron James' NBA debut. IMAGO / Icon Sportswire

Nike Celebrates LeBron James' NBA Debut Anniversary in Style

Originally posted on Sneakers on SI | By Pat Benson | Last updated Oct 30, 2025 8:47 AM ET

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Throughout his legendary career, LeBron James has broken almost every record imaginable. While James' individual accolades and NBA Championships are widely recognized, his impact on the sneaker industry is not discussed enough.

Earlier this fall, Nike launched James' 23rd signature basketball shoe. The Nike LeBron 23 will drop in 23 colorways celebrating different chapters of James' unparalleled career.

Yesterday marked 22 years since James made his NBA debut. Starting for the Cleveland Cavaliers, James embarked on a historic journey with a regular-season matchup against the Sacramento Kings. Nike is celebrating James' arrival on the world stage with an upcoming release of the Nike LeBron 23 "Grand Arrival" colorway.

Shopping Information

Nike

The Nike LeBron 23 "Grand Arrival" colorway will be released at 10:00 a.m. EST on Saturday, November 1. Online shoppers can buy the performance basketball shoes for $210 in adult sizes at Nike and Foot Locker.

Will the Nike LeBron 23 "Grand Arrival" colorway sell out? It is possible, given its historical significance and its appeal to two fanbases (James' current team, the Los Angeles Lakers, and his former team, the Cavaliers).

However, the momentum surrounding the Nike LeBron 23 has stalled out after the first colorway launched earlier this month. Fans can currently find multiple styles sitting on shelves at retail prices.

Details

Nike

The "Grand Opening" colorway sports a white upper sitting on top of a University Red base with black detailing. The Nike Swoosh logos, LeBron branding, and James' signature pop off the shoe in Metallic Gold. The clear-blue outsole provides the foundation of the regal shoe.

Packaging for the shoe is just as premium. Arriving in a crown molded black box, fans will have to tear through multiple layers of protection to get to the shoes.

When unboxing the shoes, fans will see a booklet documenting James' journey, extra laces, and a charm. Nike spared no expense when it came to James' 23rd signature sneaker.

Tech Specs

Nike

The Nike LeBron 23 is easily the most technologically advanced basketball shoe from James' signature line. According to Nike, it is "perfect for the high-speed demands of the modern game."

Its tech specs include a full-length ZoomX drop-in midsole, which Nike calls the pinnacle in lightweight responsiveness. Meanwhile, a new containment system, paired with a carbon fiber plate, provides stable control for sudden movements on the court.

The engineered Flyknit upper and premium bootie lining are lightweight, breathable, and luxurious. Lastly, the sticky multi-direction traction pattern on the outsole provides the foundation of the iconic silhouette.

History

Nike

The Nike LeBron 23 "Grand Opening" honors James' highly publicized professional debut. Plus, his first signature shoe (the Nike Air Zoom Generation) that launched a lineage of greatness.

James set the tone for what was to come with 25 points, six rebounds, nine assists, and four steals in his first professional game. Since then, James has been the face of Nike Basketball without ever looking back.

The NBA season is just getting started, and fans can expect more history lessons from James and Nike. Stay locked into Sports Illustrated's Kicks On SI for all your footwear news from the NBA and beyond.