The basketball world stood still for a moment as two of its greatest icons shared a unique bond over a pair of throwback sneakers.
During the pregame warmups for the matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors on April 9, 2026, Stephen Curry turned heads by rocking a classic pair of Nike LeBron X “Warriors” IDs from 2013.
LeBron James was quick to notice the gesture, and his reaction was nothing short of pure admiration for his longtime rival and Olympic teammate. It was a rare glimpse into the mutual respect that has grown between these two legends after over a decade of high-stakes battles on the hardwood.
Let’s take a closer look.
A surprising tribute from the greatest shooter
Stephen Curry surprised fans and photographers alike when he stepped onto the Chase Center floor wearing a pair of vintage Nike LeBron X sneakers.
While Curry did not play in the game due to injury management, his choice of footwear became the primary talking point of the evening. The sneakers in question were a player-exclusive design from 2013, featuring the Warriors’ signature royal blue and gold color scheme. It was a nostalgic nod to a time when Curry was still part of the Nike family before making his historic move to Under Armour later that same year.
The sight of one superstar wearing the signature shoe of his direct competitor is a rarity in the NBA, where brand loyalty and personal legacies often create invisible barriers. However, the 2024 Olympic run in Paris seems to have permanently altered the dynamic between James and Curry.
By lacing up the LeBron X, Curry signaled that the fierce rivalry of the 2010s has officially transitioned into a phase of brotherhood. This gesture was particularly poignant given Curry’s current status as a sneaker-free agent following his departure from Under Armour in late 2025.
Fun fact: The Nike LeBron X was the first basketball shoe to feature full-length visible Nike Zoom Air cushioning, providing a unique combination of impact protection and responsiveness.
LeBron’s “Out the Vault” reaction
LeBron James could not hide his excitement when he spotted the 2013-era kicks on Curry’s feet during the pregame festivities.
He took to social media and postgame interviews to express how much the tribute meant to him personally. James noted that Nike had actually designed that specific colorway for Curry over a decade ago when the Warriors star was still an emerging talent in the league.
In his postgame comments following the Lakers’ 119-103 victory, James was reflective about the moment and the history they share. He told reporters that seeing an “all-time great” like Curry choose his sneakers was “super cool” and “special.”
James emphasized that the Golden State colors looked natural on the LeBron X silhouette, noting the history they shared before Curry became the face of a different brand. The veteran forward seemed genuinely touched that a player of Curry’s stature would reach back into history to honor his signature line.
Fun fact: Stephen Curry actually wore Nike shoes for the first four years of his professional career before officially signing his landmark deal with Under Armour in 2013.
The evolution of a historic rivalry
The transition from bitter Finals opponents to supportive peers is a testament to the longevity and maturity of both James and Curry.
For four consecutive years, from 2015 to 2018, these two men were the faces of the NBA Finals, battling for the Larry O’Brien Trophy in some of the most-watched games in sports history. During those years, the competition was often described as frosty, with both players fighting for the throne of the league’s best player. Seeing them now, sharing laughs and sneakers, marks a new chapter for the NBA’s senior statesmen.
The 2024 Paris Olympics served as the definitive turning point for their relationship, as they led Team USA to a gold medal together. That experience solidified a bond that transcends individual team allegiances or commercial endorsements. Curry’s recent sneaker free agency has allowed him to experiment with various brands, including Nike, Li-Ning, and even boutique tennis brands.
By choosing LeBron’s 2013 model, Curry essentially acknowledged that while they may play for different franchises, they are part of the same exclusive club of legends.
Fun fact: LeBron James’ signature Nike line is the longest-running active signature shoe series in NBA history, spanning over two decades of performance innovation.
What this means for Curry’s sneaker future
As Stephen Curry continues to navigate his sneaker-free agency, his choice of footwear will remain a major story for collectors and fans.
While many believe he may eventually return to Nike or even start his own independent venture, his willingness to wear James’ shoes suggests he is enjoying the freedom of his current status. He has also been spotted wearing Kobe Bryant’s Protro models and Sabrina Ionescu’s signature shoes this season. This trend of “players wearing players” is becoming more common as the league’s stars prioritize comfort and personal style over strict brand exclusivity.
For the sneaker community, Curry wearing the LeBron X “Warriors” ID is a “holy grail” moment that highlights the intersection of sports history and fashion. The LeBron X is widely considered one of the best performance and lifestyle models in the entire James catalog. Seeing it on the feet of the greatest shooter in history only adds to the allure of the 2013 classic.
Whether this leads to a formal reunion with Nike or just serves as a one-time tribute, the impact of the moment resonated far beyond the box score of the Lakers-Warriors game.
TL;DR
- Stephen Curry wore a pair of 2013 Nike LeBron X “Warriors” ID sneakers during pregame warmups at Chase Center.
- LeBron James reacted with excitement, calling the shoes “out of the vault” and describing the gesture as “super cool” and “special.”
- James revealed that Nike originally designed that specific blue and gold colorway for Curry back in 2013 when he was still a Nike athlete.
- The moment highlights the deep mutual respect between the two legends following their 2024 Olympic gold medal run.
- Curry is currently exploring sneaker options after his long-term partnership with Under Armour shifted in late 2025.
If you liked this story, don’t forget to follow us for more exclusive content.
This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
If you liked this, you might also like:
