Nike

In 2003 – at 18 years old – the highly scouted and highly anticipated LeBron James skipped college, entering the NBA directly from high school. An Akron, Ohio native, LeBron was selected as the first overall pick by his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers, and soon after inked a 7 year deal with Nike, foregoing other offers from Adidas and Reebok. 

After an extension in 2010, LeBron signed a lifetime contract with Nike in 2015, the first ever issued by the brand. Nearly 20 years after his entrance to the NBA and his initial signing with Nike, LeBron is certainly among the greatest to ever play the game. A four time NBA champion, a four time league MVP and 2nd on the all time scoring list, LeBron’s legacy on the court is undeniable. 

Off the court, LeBron’s endeavors are equally noteworthy. The star of ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’, LeBron also co-founded SpringHill Entertainment and the ‘I Promise’ School in Akron. In 2021, LeBron became a partner in the Fenway Sports Group, resulting in his part ownership of The Boston Red Sox and Liverpool FC. 

A big contributor to LeBron’s success  is his self-titled inner circle ‘The Four Horsemen’. Comprising LeBron, Maverick Carter, Rich Paul, and Randy Mims, the team was formed through longtime friendships and business prowess. 

Created in 2005, the Nike Air Force 1 LeBron ‘Four Horsemen’ pays homage to LeBron’s lifelong friends turned business associates. Dressed in a predominantly white upper, the pair features a maroon Swoosh and heel tab, and maroon lining on the tongue. Gold accents on the Swoosh, and ‘LJ’ featured on the heel tab, bring together the Cleveland Cavaliers inspired colorway. The heel of the shoe features a symbol emblematic of a Knight on a chess board, featured in maroon and gold and finished with a gold ‘4’.