This Nike LeBron 23 Honors Sports Illustrated's 'The Chosen One' Cover from 2002

LeBron James has been held to high expectations from the public since before he stopped being a teenager. Having displayed impressive intellect and physical dominance in sports at an early age, it's no surprise. Folks that've been in similar positions before and after the Ohio-native haven't lived up to expectations, but James has. After all, he was dubbed "The Chosen One" on a cover from Sports Illustrated in 2002. The Nike LeBron 23 "From this 'Point-Forward'" recalls the occasion.

The latest offering in Nike Basketball's ongoing story-driven celebration of James' milestone year, the pair sees a white, green, and gold color scheme. The trifecta harkens back to the uniforms the Akron-born athlete used to wear while at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School. While there, James wow'ed the country through his athleticism and game, which didn't adhere to the traditional styles expected from either a point guard or forward. Before his senior year ended, the teenager was selected to be a cover star for SI. Touted as the potential "Heir" to Michael Jordan, James took off from that moment, ultimately skipping college to go number one in the 2003 NBA Draft.

Throughout his NBA career, LeBron James has been ball-dominant. His frame and sheer power corner him into being a forward, but his control of the basketball and IQ have seen him play "floor general" consistently. This dynamic is what inspired the newly-surfaced LeBron 23's name ("From this 'Point-Forward'"). Additionally, from the moment the "Chosen One" cover hit newsstands in '02, James' career and life took off.

The sneaker, showcased to the world by X user @ImagesByStashed, keeps things simple and on-theme. The carefully-crafted upper opts for a mostly-white presentation that allows for the slightest contrast to revel in the spotlight. A rich green textile lines the crown-shaped molding's top-part, nodding to the Fighting Irish. Shimmering "Metallic Gold" accents join the mix via branding elements, rounding out the pair fit for a king. Spines don Chosen1 text, remembering '02.

James' "From this 'Point-Forward'" basketball shoe is expected to release via Nike.com by Spring 2026. Men's and Big Kids' sizing should be available.

For more sneaker news from the Swoosh empire, check out House of Heat°'s dedicated Jordan Release Dates Calendar.