Overview
- The LeBron XXIII “Honor the King” features a teal colorway referencing the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
- LeBron James first wore the shoes on Jan. 2 against the Grizzlies, and the design also nods to his 51-point game in Memphis on Jan. 15, 2008.
- Nike executive John Jowers said the intent was to pay homage to Dr. King, acknowledging strong reactions to the design.
- National Civil Rights Museum president Russell Wigginton said the museum was not consulted and learned of the shoe only after it became public.
- Commentators including Clinton Yates and David Dennis Jr. called the concept tone-deaf and questioned commercialization and whether any proceeds support related causes; reports list pricing at $210 for adults and $185 for kids with a planned Feb. 24 release.