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At the age of 18 years old, LeBron James made history before even playing a game in the NBA. ?His senior season at St. Vincent-St Mary was heavily covered by sports media anticipating LeBron would make the leap from High School to the pros. While that move, though highly expected, was talked about quite a bit in the summer of 2003, on forums, message boards, and sneaker circles were a buzz about the new kid on the block with his own shoe deal. ?Just months before being the first pick of the draft, Michael Jordan hung up his kicks for the final time (we’re pretty sure this time), but before even knowing where he would play his rookie season, LeBron James inked a record $90 Million contract with Nike.
Nike Basketball’s roster was short for the first time in a few decades when LeBron joined the team and quickly became the shining star for the squad. ?Designed by two of Nike’s greatest footwear designers, Eric Avar and Aaron Cooper, the shoe was a simple yet conservative, yet aggressive look with minimal panels on the upper and a rather basic looking outsole. ?But don’t let the straight lines on the shoe fool you – the Nike Air Zoom Generation was built to ball. ?The outsole traction performed well on the court with a solid grip, the Zoom Air cushioned ride was responsive for quick cuts, carbon fiber midfoot shank, and the heel TPU and chrome “bumper” added extra heel stability. ?Priced at only $110, the AZG was worth every penny when it came to getting a good performing shoe, a unique looking sneaker, as well as Nike’s version of the rookie card for the future star.
To celebrate LeBron James’ first home game this special “First Game” colorway was produced. ?While there was much hype around the first game of his NBA career where he put up 25 points on the road in Sacramento, there was even more hype for his first home game where the Cavs hosted the Denver Nuggets and a new young star, Carmelo Anthony. ?The “First Game” Air Zoom Generations were released on the day of the game and featured a date stamp stitched on the inside of the shoe.
Back in 2006 Nike sampled a camo pattern lasered Air Zoom Generation that never made it to market. ?There has been much talk about when would we begin to see retros of the Nike LeBron line. ?Will we see it after a third MVP? ?An NBA Championship? ?Only time will tell.
