LeBron James May Have Just Leaked The Nike LeBron 23

Signature sneakers have become way more common in the modern NBA, but very few have over 20 silhouettes to their name.

As Michael Jordan nearly doubles that, LeBron James is still going strong, and in his certified vet status, it’s almost time to debut the LeBron 23.

The 40-year-old typically previews the latest model in the offseason, and he fell in line once again this year. In preparation for his 23rd season, James shared a workout video on Instagram with Chris Johnson, captioning it “year 23 loading.”

Eagle-eyed sneaker heads would have noticed his footwear, which has the typical design language of his signature line, but in a muted black and gray colorway usually reserved for wear test models ahead of official releases.

If it is the Nike LeBron 23, it proves King James will be sticking with the low-cut model yet again, a distinction he made starting with the 20s.

The purposely muddled colorway doesn’t give away many other details of the sneakers’ details, but there does appear to be a mudguard that wraps around the entire forefoot and heel.

It could be updated to what was spotted on the 22, which Nike said was an “innovative midfoot saddle construction that acts as a guardrail or brake by providing a natural sense of control and stability.”

Last year’s cushioning has also likely been upgraded to the nearly improved Cushlon 3 that’s already appeared in the G.T. Future, which promises to be a cornerstone in Nike Basketball’s next generation of hoopers.

Nothing else is known about the 23s, and Nike hasn’t announced them just yet. But if tradition holds, expect the first colorways to release early in the fall and James to debut them at the Los Angeles season opener. Also, with the shoe’s number lining up with his jersey number, hopefully, Nike’s got something special up its sleeve.

For now, get a better look at the G.T. Future below.