Usually an athlete’s new signature sneaker is releasing on the horizon of a new basketball season. New challenges, a 0-0 record, and unclear ending points to that particular season. The Nike LeBron 18 will be releasing on the cusp of King James tipping off in the Western Conference Finals and chasing his fourth ring. LeBron briefly debuted his 18th signature model during his time in the bubble, seen sporting different colorways both on the court and off. The LeBron 18 is lower cut than the previous 17th model but uses the familiar battleknit material on the uppers. The heel of the shoe will feature both Zoom and Max Air for the first time since the Air Force 25 (2007). The Zoom Air unit fits right in between the Max bag in the heel, fitting together almost like a puzzle.

So far we know of four colorways releasing of the LeBron 18 and when they will be. The first one will debut later this month in China. The second iteration will follow the same suit but then and then have a stateside release in early October. During the Lakers’ time in the bubble we have seen Lebron rock new P.E.’s of his 17’s and even the 7’s. Will James start sporting some P.E. color schemes in his new 18th model for the Western Conference Finals and possibly The Finals? Or will LeBron reserve the on-court spotlight for the 18’s until the 2020-21 season? Look below to see some detailed pictures of the Nike LeBron 18 as well as when each colorway will be releasing.

Nike LeBron 18 “Empire Jade” – September 21 (Greater China Exclusive)

Nike LeBron 18 “Multicolor” (James Gang) – September 24 (China), October 9 (North America)

Nike LeBron 18 “Los Angeles By Day” – November 6

Nike LeBron 18 “Reflections” – September 21

The 2019 NBA Champions have officially been eliminated from the playoffs. The Boston Celtics escaped in Game 7 to march their way right into the Eastern Conference Finals. The Houston Rockets “small ball” strategy failed them miserably as Lebron, A.D., and the Lakers cruised into the Western Conference Finals, winning the series 4-1. Lebron once again eliminated both James Harden and Russell Westbrook from the playoffs, just as he did eight years ago in 2012. It appears as if the Los Angeles Clippers have taken the Denver Nuggets a little too lightly. The two franchises find themselves in a bout for a Game 7 that will send the victor to the Western Conference Finals.

LeBron James debuted another P.E. version of his 17th signature model, dressed up in Lakers purple and gold. James then eliminated the Rockets in a classic All-Star colorway of one of his best models in his line. The new Jordan XXXV’s made their first on-court appearance. Kawhi Leonard rocked his signature sneaker in the loudest color scheme seen yet. The Clippers star, and New Balance, have collaborated with Jolly Rancher to make a pack of their own. Unfortunately we have seen the last of P.J. Tucker for the 2019-20 NBA season, but he went out with a bang for his last week of kicks.

15. Adidas Harden Vol. 4 “Su Casa” – Kyle Lowry

14. Adidas D Rose 1 – Jamal Murray

13. Jordan Why Not Zer0.3 S.E. – Russell Westbrook

12. Adidas Harden Vol. 4 P.E. – James Harden

11. Jordan X “Steel” – P.J. Tucker

10. Jordan XXXIV “Taco Jay” P.E. – Jayson Tatum

9. Jordan Why Not Zer0.3 S.E. – Russell Westbrook

8. Nike Kobe 7 “Prelude” – Talen Horton-Tucker

7. Jordan XVI “Why Not?” P.E. – P.J. Tucker

6. Jordan XXXV – Jeff Green

5. New Balance THE KAWHI “Jolly Rancher” – Kawhi Leonard

4. Nike LeBron VII “All-Star” – LeBron James

3. Nike LeBron XVII “Uptempo” P.E. – LeBron James

2. Nike Kobe 5 Protro P.E. – P.J. Tucker

1. Nike LeBron XVII “Uptempo” P.E. – LeBron James

Week 3 of the NBA playoffs saw some great battles that came right down to the wire. The Oklahoma City Thunder gave it all they had but fell just one game short of defeating the Houston Rockets in their first round series. Unfortunately Chris Paul’s great run of HBCU CP3.XII customs have come to an end for the season. Will the Houston Rockets have what it takes to take down the Lakers along with LeBron and A.D.? The Toronto Raptors narrowly escaped being down 0-3 in their second round matchup against the Celtics, and have since tied that series at two games apiece. Khris Middleton played hero in carrying the Milwaukee Bucks in game 4 against the Heat, escaping what would have been a sweep by Miami.

P.J. Tucker is just not playing fair with his kick game, and he knows it. Tucker is sporting shoes on court in colorways that most people didn’t even know existed. Whether it’s P.E. Jordans, unreleased OG Kobe models, or sample Lebrons – P.J. just outshines the competition. Rajon Rondo has been seen wearing Lebron 17’s and Kobe 1’s in this series against the Houston Rockets. Apparently Rondo’s deal with Anta expired over the summer so he (currently) has free rein to rock any brand of sneakers he chooses. Paul George even broke out an old Pacers color scheme of his Nike PG 1’s. Is the PG 1 George’s best sneaker in his line?

15. Jordan Why Not Zer0.3 P.E. – Russell Westbrook

14. Adidas Harden Vol. 4 P.E. – Kyle Lowry

13. Nike KD 13 “Easy Money Sniper” – Pascal Siakam

12. New Balance THE KAWHI P.E. – Kawhi Leonard

11. Jordan CP3.XII “Clark Atlanta University” Custom – Chris Paul

10. Jordan VI “Motorsport” – P.J. Tucker

9. Nike Kobe 1 Protro “Black Maize” – Rajon Rondo

8. Nike PG 1 “Pacers” P.E. – Paul George

7. Nike LeBron XVII “Courage” – LeBron James

6. Jordan Why Not Zer0.3 P.E. – Russell Westbrook

5. Nike Kobe 5 Protro P.E. – Khris Middleton

4. Nike LeBron VII P.E. – LeBron James

3. Jordan XXXIV “Taco Jay” P.E. – Jayson Tatum

2. Jordan XVI “Board of Governors” (Friends & Family) – P.J. Tucker

1. Nike Kobe 4 “Wedding” Sample – P.J. Tucker

It was moving week for a lot of teams in the NBA bubble. Some teams advanced to their respective conference semi-finals and some were sent home. The Trail Blazers put forth a valiant effort despite not having their star player, but the Lakers would easily win the series 4-1. Carmelo Anthony had a very impressive series, let alone an impressive comeback season altogether. One can only hope that we get to see more of his older Jordan Melo P.E.’s next season in 2020-21. The Utah Jazz and Denver Nuggets are headed towards a game 7 in their first round matchup. This Utah/Denver series has, in more ways than one, turned into the Donovan Mitchell and Jamal Murray show.

In terms of making a statement with their footwear, Jamal Murray’s Adidas shoes made quite an impact. The Nuggets star sported a pair of Pro Models honoring both George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. P.J. Tucker has stated that he might not be buying shoes for a while after the NBA fined him $25,000 for his altercation during the OKC series. It’s just hard to imagine what “a while” means for Tucker when it comes to buying shoes. The late Kobe Bryant was also honored early last week by players across all brands. Lastly, Paul George may have gotten his groove back, but why not in the PG 4’s?

15. Nike Air Go LWP “Orlando” – P.J. Tucker

14. Adidas D.O.N. Issue #2 P.E. – Donovan Mitchell

13. Nike LeBron XVII “Air Command Force” (Alternate) P.E. – LeBron James

12. Jordan XXXIV “Guo Ailun Pop Art” – Carmelo Anthony

11. Nike LeBron VII “Fairfax P.E.” – LeBron James

10. Jordan CP3.XII (Lincoln University) Custom – Chris Paul

9. Nike Kobe 5 Protro P.E. – Kyle Korver

8. Adidas D.O.N. Issue #2 P.E. – Donovan Mitchell

7. Nike PG 2 “The Academy” – Paul George

6. Jordan Why Not Zer0.3 P.E. – Russell Westbrook

5. Adidas Pro Model 2G Custom – Jamal Murray

4. Nike LeBron VII P.E. – LeBron James

3. Adidas Harden Vol. 4 P.E. (Kobe Tribute) – James Harden

2. Nike Kobe 5 Protro P.E. – Anthony Davis

1. Nike Kobe 1 x Stash – P.J. Tucker