LeBron James Debuts USC-Inspired Kicks Against Knicks

LeBron James represented the USC Trojans with his sneakers against the New York Knicks.
LeBron James Debuts USC-Inspired Kicks Against Knicks
LeBron James Debuts USC-Inspired Kicks Against Knicks /

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All of the celebrities sitting courtside and drama surrounding the team did not phase the Los Angeles Lakers as they picked up a 113-105 road win over the New York Knicks on Saturday night. 

With all eyes on him, LeBron James appeared to relish the attention. The 39-year-old NBA veteran poured in 24 points and showed off an impressive rotation of sneakers. James arrived at Madison Square Garden in a pair of blue and orange Futura x Off-White Nike SB Dunk Low sneakers. 

During pregame warmups, James rocked a black and white 'Equality' colorway of the Nike LeBron NXXT Gen AMPD before finally switching to a USC Trojans colorway of the same model for the game. 

While all of the sneakers are worthy of thousand-word think pieces, our focus is on the immaculate player-exclusive colorway inspired by the Trojans. Take a look at the sneakers below, and we will tell you everything athletes and fans must know about the unreleased kicks.

Nike LeBron NXXT Gen AMPD

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James' white and cardinal Nike sneakers.
The Nike LeBron NXXT Gen AMPD / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Throughout this NBA season, James has shown love to several colleges with his sneakers. The UConn Huskies, Oregon Ducks, Baylor Bears, Akron Zips, and Ohio State Buckeyes are just a few of the teams James has represented on the court.

But given that James' oldest son, Bronny, is a player on USC's men's basketball team, it makes last night's kicks extra special. The Nike LeBron NXXT Gen AMPD was launched in January and is currently available in two colorways for $170 in adult sizes on the Nike website.

James' signature sneaker line with Nike has 21 installments and countless spinoffs. The Nike LeBron NXXT Gen AMPD is designed to make players feel fast and low on the court. Extra impact protection is provided by a curved forefoot Air Zoom unit with a top-loaded Air Zoom Air in the heel. Lastly, the outsole traction pattern is a map of James' hometown of Akron, Ohio.

James continues to exceed expectations on the court and in the sneaker industry. Well into his 21st season, James shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Stay locked into FanNationKicks.com to learn more about what your favorite athletes wear on and off the court.

Bronny James Wears Nike LeBron 21 'USC Trojans' in First Start


Published
Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers the sneaker industry for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Previously, he has reported on the NBA, authored "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)," and interviewed some of the biggest names in the sports world. You can email him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.