LeBron James, Nike face backlash over shoes inspired by MLK assassination site

Los Angeles Lakers‘ star and life span Nike an athlete LeBron James is facing some backlash for his latest sneaker release. As the NBA celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a full slate of games, Nike announced the upcoming release of LeBron James’ latest signature shoe, the Nike LeBron 23, in an MLK-inspired colorway. However, the story behind the sneaker caused mixed reactions from fans and experts alike.

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Martin Luther King Jr. Day has always been a celebratory occasion throughout the NBA, along with the promotion of Black History Month throughout February. Over the years, prominent players have honored MLK and BHM through their sneakers, offering limited colorways with historical context and significance to the African-American community.

Nike and LeBron James recently announced the upcoming Nike LeBron 23 “Honor the King” release, which serves to remember MLK and his contributions. However, the turquoise color is said to be inspired Lorraine Motel in Memphis, TN, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968.

The building now serves as the National Civil Rights Museum. Although LeBron James wears the shoes for the right reasons, much of the public is confused by the event marking the shoe, along with Nike selling the sneaker for $210 for profit.

The Nike LeBron 23 “Honor of the King” is causing a stir

The “Homage to the King” colorway also serves as a reminder of James’ 51-point game on January 15, 2008 against the Memphis Grizzlies. LeBron James wore the new colorway on January 2nd, 2026 against the Grizzlies once again, debuting the sneaker for the first time in a game. Fans became aware of the sneaker when Nike teased the release, which received immediate backlash from a number of voices.

the fact that this is real indicates, again, that there aren’t enough black people in enough rooms at Nike. Or that they don’t feel empowered enough to speak up. What a shame. pic.twitter.com/0a25AbAZLT

— Clinton Yates (@clintoniates) January 19, 2026

My THOUGHTS on this @Nike @KingJames Dr. King shoe https://t.co/EgKbh0rrdp pic.twitter.com/3BfkPHsGR4

— Doc Holliday (@The_DocHolliday) January 19, 2026

As a Memphian who knows that the Lorraine Motel is the National Civil Rights Museum, I see this as completely different, but the responses are very interesting and I respect anyone who opposes it. The Grizzlies did the same thing a few years ago and we grew up around Lorena… https://t.co/kOfm6vE014

— Anthony Sain (@SainAsilum) January 20, 2026

Of course, with a site now dedicated to civil rights education, there’s a good reason why sneakers could further the discussion of such an important historical event. However, Nike clearly missed the mark and could have done things differently, especially if the profits went towards funding civil rights education.

As it stands, the Nike LeBron 23 “Honor of the King” is release is expected on February 24, 2026 for a retail tag of $210. The shoes also intend to be released in children’s sizes for $185. Nike will release LBJ “Honor the King” capsule to finish the issue.