by Zac Dubasik
Shoe: Air Zoom Generation “Laser”
Retail Price: $N/A
Release Date: 12/25/2003
#1 Movie: The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King
#1 Song: OutKast – Hey Ya!
Based on current practices, it’s hard to believe there was ever a time when Nike would have a premier, signature athlete wearing an exclusive shoe on Christmas Day that wasn’t available to purchase. But a lot has changed in the 12 years since LeBron James entered the NBA. Not only were these sneakers extremely exclusive, you may not have ever even seen LeBron’s lasered Nike Air Zoom Generations unless you happened to be watching the Cleveland Cavaliers play the Orlando Magic on Christmas Day in 2003.
The game featured LeBron facing off against one of the most established stars of the time — Tracy McGrady. LeBron hit the court on his first Christmas Day game wearing an all-white pair of his first signature shoe, with a fully lasered filigree-style print on the shoe’s midfoot panel and toe overlay. The Cavs eventually lost in OT, but LeBron made his one appearance in the shoe count, going to 34 points.
Check out some highlights of the showdown below, as well as a closer look at one of the most rare pairs of Nike LeBrons ever.
