LeBron James may or may not be a Los Angeles Laker during the 2025-26 NBA season, but one thing's for sure: "King James" is ready to take on his 23rd professional basketball campaign. For the occasion, the 40-year-old is set to debut the Nike LeBron 23 basketball shoe.
James was recently captured training with Chris Johnson, a mental fitness coach and founder of JUSHOOP™. In an Instagram Reel shared to the public, the "kid from Akron" is spotted wearing a Liverpool FC-branded pair of athletic pants in addition to a logo-less, all-black pair of sneakers. As is customary with other impending footwear models, the pitch-dark, swoosh-less pair is likely a wear-test sample. The procedure was recently seen on both the Air Jordan 4 by Nike SB and Vomero Premium running model, and helps maintain unreleased products discreet as athletes put them through elite-level tests.
Screenshots obtained via Johnson's Instagram video leave much to the imagination, but an initial view of the presumed LeBron 23 reveals a number of important details.
For starters, the sneaker's shape doesn't deviate much from the current LeBron 22, offering a more protective collar area than other Nike Basketball offerings. The upper is effectively split into a mudguard that extends from the sole unit and a textile base visible from vamp to upper hind-foot. The design execution has led netizens to draw comparisons between James' potential next signature model and the oft-overlooked Air Jordan 15. The sneaker also evokes images of the Air Flightposite 2 once endorsed by Kevin Garnett, a player the Ohio-native has vocally admired in the past.
A connection to the Flightposite franchise makes sense given the Swoosh's recent push of the series' original model, as well as modern takes rooted in heritage like the G.T. Future. Additionally, the Foamposite-derivative material is much more protective than textile executions found on past Nike LeBrons; the Flightposite material would mold to James' feet better, delivering an enhanced fit as the 25-26 NBA season progresses.
Specifics about the LeBron 23's cushioning solution are currently under wraps, but some combination of Cushlon 3.0 and ZoomX is expected as these components have appeared on Ja Morant, Sabrina Ionescu, and Giannis Antetokounmpo's latest signature designs.
The outsole has been completely reworked from the LeBron 22. Segmented traction is replaced by full-length rubber coverage that seems to include a stability zone and flex grooves for quicker movements; better engagement of potential enclosed Air or Zoom Air units; or a combination of both.
Enjoy blurry, but closer shots of the rumored LeBron 23 ahead. Pairs should release via Nike.com by the end of October to coincide with the start of the new NBA season.
For more sneaker news from the Swoosh conglomerate, check out all Jordan releases remaining in the year (and some confirmed for 2026)
