Nike Lebron 23 Best in Class Celebrates King James’ Big Apple Draft Day

If you weren’t around back then, it can be hard to believe how much attention was on LeBron James ahead of the 2003 NBA Draft. King James had already been anointed in high school, graced the cover of Sports Illustrated, and become a household name. If you thought the Wemby or Flagg sweepstakes were wild, you haven’t seen a thing.

The Nike LeBron 23 Best in Class pays tribute to ‘Bron’s welcome to the NBA moment, shaking David Stern’s hand on stage at Madison Square Garden in a baggy white suit and a red cap. Starting with red across the engineered mesh upper to represent the Cleveland Cavaliers hat that LeBron picked up on stage, with more red on the patent leather crown-shaped midsole and outsole, the shoe adds a reflective white all-over print pattern to the mesh featuring crowns and a series of abstract crown graphics. The forefoot Swoosh and LeBron tongue logo are done in metallic gold, and a red apple graphic to represent NYC on the back ties the colorway together.

Nike is bringing LeBron’s legacy straight to his sneakers with the 23, crafting 23 colorways inspired by unique moments and memories from his career. The 2003 NBA Draft was the very beginning of LeBron’s illustrious pro career, and every memory since has stemmed from the Big Apple draft that had him stay home in Ohio to start his reign.

The Nike LeBron 23 Best in Class will be released Holiday 2025 through Nike and select retailers in-store and online. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $210. To stay up on every new Nike LeBron drop, download the Sole Retriever mobile app.