Nike Unveils LeBron 23 “Honor The King” for MLK Day
Paying tribute to the iconic Lorraine Motel.
Name: LeBron 23 “Honor The King”
Colorway: Hyper Jade/Deep Royal Blue/Bleached Turquoise/University Gold
SKU: IH1513-300
MSRP: $210 USD
Release Date: Available Now
Where to Buy: Nike
LeBron James continues to cement his legacy as a champion of social justice with the unveiling of the Nike LeBron 23 “Honor The King,” a silhouette that serves as both a performance vehicle and a historical monument. This release draws profound inspiration from the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, which is the site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in 1968 and the National Civil Rights Museum. By channeling the spirit of the historic venue, James connects his own on-court dominance with a broader narrative of Black history.
The sneaker’s design is a nod to the motel’s mid-century aesthetic and its role as a sanctuary during the Jim Crow era. Purchased by Black businessman Walter Bailey in 1945, the Lorraine Motel was one of the few safe places for Black travelers in the South. This LeBron 23 mirrors this history with an all-teal upper derived from the motel’s iconic doors and signage colorway, paired with a gold Swoosh and medial crown motifs that bridge Dr. King and King James. A bold “EQUALITY” graphic is stamped on the heel, a recurring theme in James’ signature line, while the backstory is deepened by James’ own philanthropic history. In 2016, James donated $2.5 million USD to the museum to fund an exhibit honoring Muhammad Ali.
The Nike LeBron 23 “Honor The King” is avaiable now via the Nike webstore. Collectors picking up will also receive a custom sticker sheet.
