Los Angeles Lakers veteran star LeBron James paid tribute to one NFL star through his signature cleats, as a special edition of one of his shoes was gifted to commemorate an iconic on-field moment.
Earlier this week, Philadelphia Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley took to Instagram to show off a custom-made gold pair of Nike LeBron 4 cleats that were gifted to him by the NBA Legend LeBron James. In Barkley’s unboxing video, he displayed the shiny kicks that were personally delivered to him before the Eagles kick off their 2025 regular season.
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The limited edition shoes hold a bigger significance to the NFL star as it was the same design and shoe that he wore during one of his most iconic plays for the 2024 season, where he pulled his famous reverse hurdle against Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones.
After fielding a swing pass near the sideline, Saquon Barkley evaded two would-be tacklers with a slick juke and spin before meeting Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones head-on. In a split-second decision, the seven-year veteran dipped low and launched himself in a 180-degree “reverse hurdle” over the standing defender, clearing Jones by inches and securing a crucial first down in spectacular fashion.
LeBron James Inspired Luka Doncic Body Transformation, Lakers Assistant Coach Revealed
Lakers assistant coach Greg St. Jean has revealed that LeBron James played a pivotal role in motivating Luka Dončić’s remarkable 31-pound offseason transformation. Sources close to the Lakers even suggest that Dončić’s renewed commitment to peak physical shape could be a decisive factor in convincing James to extend his tenure in Los Angeles.
“You know what?” the assistant coach said. “I always find this: iron sharpens iron. When you’re around really good players, it’s just like when you’re a coach, and you’re around a really good coach. You can’t help but be motivated to continue to get better at your craft.”
He also added that the motivation goes both ways, as Doncic also impacted James in more ways than one.
“I think Luka’s learned a little bit from every great player he’s been around. And I know he’s always looked up to LeBron,” the coach added. “He’s always been somebody he’s really admired. So I think having those two together is obviously motivating. I think it’s two-way motivating as well. I don’t think it’s just a one-way street.”
LeBron James is expected to start his historic 23rd season in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers, which makes him one of the longest-playing names in the history of the league.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
