Remembering LeBron James NBA Debut in the Nike Air Zoom Generation

A look back at LeBron James NBA debut and his first signature sneaker.

(via ESPN)

by Gerald Flores

Remember 2003? 

President George W. Bush kickstarted the Department of Homeland Security into operation. Apple launched the iTunes music store. And an 18-year-old rookie from Akron, Ohio named LeBron James made his NBA debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers.  

As the number 1 pick in the 2003 draft there was much buzz around the unproven player who inked a reported $90 million Nike contract before even stepping on the NBA court. His first signature sneaker - the Nike Air Zoom Generation - a shoe co-designed by Aaron Cooper, Tinker Hatfield, and Eric Avar.

Fast forward 11 years, 12 signature sneakers, 4 MVP trophies, and 2 NBA championships later, LeBron James is once again making a debut as a Cleveland Cavalier tonight. Before we look to what's ahead for LeBron 2.0, here's a trip down memory lane to King James' NBA debut and early Nike spots for the Nike Air Zoom Generation.