Nike Honors Top Pick from 2003 NBA Draft with "Best In Class" LeBron 23

Story-telling is at the heart of the Nike LeBron 23, with its latest centering on a specific moment from June 26, 2003.

Fresh out of high school, an 18-year-old LeBron James from Akron, Ohio was chosen with the first pick in the 2003 NBA Draft by none other than the Cleveland Cavaliers. A joyous moment for the teenager previously dubbed "The Chosen One" by Sports Illustrated, expectations were high for the St. Vincent–St. Mary High School graduate, although some skeptics wrote him off.

Twenty-three NBA seasons later, however, "King James" has proven naysayers wrong time and time again.

Part of the expansive Forever King initiative, the sneaker sees a "Bright Crimson/Dusty Amethyst/Barely Volt/Multi-Color" medley that seemingly nods to the Cavaliers uniform and an apple logo found on both the LeBron 23 and accompanying "Best In Class" graphic t-shirt. The pair features an all-over print across its engineered mesh construction, with many crown logos being visible from every which angle. Other emblems found on the Nike Basketball offering see shimmering "Gold Metallic" finishes, denoting the special occasion and the 40-year-old's royal moniker.

The commemorative basketball shoe is expected to release via Nike.com by March 2026 in Men's and Big Kids' sizing.

For more sneaker news from the Swoosh empire, check out all Jordan releases remaining in the year (and some confirmed for 2026).