Nike Kicks Off LeBron 23 'Forever King' Collection on Oct. 3

Whether or not you believe he's the "Greatest of All-Time," LeBron James has proven himself time and time again since first entering the National Basketball Association (NBA) in October 2003 at just 18-years-old. Ready for his 23rd professional season, the 40-year-old superstar is set to continue making history. To celebrate the occasion, Nike Basketball will launch the LeBron 23 signature model. The milestone silhouette also kicks off the ambitious Forever King Collection.

As has become customary since the inception of Michael Jordan's Air Jordan series, annual updates to signature lines for marquee athletes are expected. Following a well-received trio of designs, the Nike LeBron line revisits some tried-and-proven elements for the LeBron 23, mixing them with innovative performance touches. The result is a dynamic, boundary-pushing basketball shoe fit for the "Forever King."

The LeBron 23 features a full-length ZoomX drop-in midsole, a first in James' signature range. A lightweight engineered upper and soft inner lining deliver top-notch comfort and ventilation, which become crucial during later stages in a game. The 23-shaped outsole provided multi-directional traction while a carbon fiber shank beneath the midsole delivers both torsional support and propulsion for when the NBA veteran wants to speed up or take flight.

As aforementioned, the Nike Basketball team reminisced on LeBron James' career for not only the LeBron 23, but also the Forever King lineup. One through-line across the life of "the kid from Akron" is the Crown. Thus, James' 23rd signature silhouette introduces the Crown Containment System.

The symbol has been relevant in LeBron James' life since being dubbed "The Chosen One" by Sports Illustrated while still being in high school. The Crown has also formed part of the Nike LeBron franchise's brand identity since the very beginning. Its use as a stability-focused technological feature on the line's next model showcases the Swoosh's innovation and unrivaled storytelling.

The Crown Containment System and every accompanying element debuts on the Nike LeBron 23 "Uncharted," a shimmering golden pair dedicated to James' milestone of becoming the first player in NBA history to score more than 40,000 points. The pair features 40K+ embossed on the spine to commemorate the March 2, 2024 event.

Twenty-two other legacy-defining moments will be referenced on future LeBron 23 releases: "Miami Twice" (navy/purple/pink) recalls "King James" winning back-to-back NBA titles and Finals MVPs with the Miami Heat (2012-13), while "The Chosen One and the One Who Chose" style (mismatched purple/black/gold) celebrates James and Bronny becoming the League's first father-son duo to play for the same team on Oct. 22, 2024.

Nike's LeBron 23 silhouette is accompanied by sportswear and lifestyle apparel rooted in the Forever King spirit. Items include premium takes on jerseys and shorts that recall James' time with St. Vincent–St. Mary High School, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers. These pieces corporate elevated materials and finishes.

Other apparel styles consist of two customizable jackets, a hoodie, pant and short. Standard LJ and collection-specific Forever King branding appears on all commemorative products.

Additionally, the Nike Basketball Apparel Team has designed unique graphic t-shirts to highlight each of the 23 stories that have inspired accompanying LeBron 23 colorways. Every pair is packaged in a crown-molded box that includes a booklet with all the stories of the Forever King journey, and a charm that matches the specific shoe's heel icon.

The 23 moments have been divided into three eras of LeBron James' career: "The Chosen 1 Arrives" (2002-2010); "Taking the Throne" (2010-2018); and "Long Live the King," (2018-Present).

"The LeBron [23] reflects the deep partnership I have with Nike, pushing the limits of design and innovation to create a new signature shoe that powers my game and tells the story of my career," shared James in an official press release. "Over two decades later, we’re still going strong, inspiring the next generation with a shoe that’s made for greatness."

A global Nike.com launch for the "Uncharted" LeBron 23 has been scheduled for Friday, Oct. 3. The golden style releases in China beginning Sept. 25 as part of the Forever King Tour. Additional colorways will release throughout the coming months, while the Forever King apparel collection launches ahead of the holiday season. Products are also expected in Kids' sizing.

For more news from the Nike, Inc. conglomerate, check out House of Heat°'s dedicated Jordan Release Dates Calendar.