When it comes to prime sneaker moments at the Olympics, there are few stages grander than basketball’s gold medal games. And for the Team USA men’s team final match-up of the 2024 Games against France in Paris, LeBron James and Nike Basketball were more than prepared for the assignment.
For what could be James’ final Olympics run, the lifetime Swoosh endorser laced up not one, but two previously unseen colorways of his new Nike LeBron 22 signature sneaker. The first, a shimmering blue-and-silver iridescent look, was worn by James both while warming up prior to the game and again on the podium as Team USA received their gold medals. During the on-court action against France, James opted for a more on-the-nose metallic gold style accented with black. Both shoes featured a glossy foil aesthetic and translucent rubber outsoles with Nike’s signature safari pattern printed underneath.
Elsewhere on the gold medal podium, many of the Nike-sponsored athletes wore the Olympic colorway of the brand’s new Air Max DN lifestyle sneaker. During the game, players including Kevin Durant and Devin Booker wore their signature Nike shoes with gold-tinged details, but it was the fully metallic looks worn by James that stole the show in terms of footwear.
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James earned his third Olympic gold medal while contributing 14 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds to the team’s 98-87 victory. But the feel good story of the night belonged to Stephen Curry, who led Team USA with a strong shooting performance and 24 total points as he earned his very first gold medal. Meanwhile, Durant notched his fourth gold medal — the first men’s basketball player to do so.
The Team USA men’s basketball win marks its fifth straight and 17th overall Olympic gold medal.
Nike has not yet announced any release details for either of these “Olympics” LeBron 22 colorways, but this story will be updated as more details are confirmed.
