When LeBron James joined Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami to start a dynasty in the summer of 2010, the Heat immediately put a target on their backs. Losing to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2011 NBA Finals seemed to light a fire within LeBron. The following year, after a strike shortened the 2011-12 regular season to 66 games, King James led the Heat to a 46-20 record and the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference. He averaged 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists in the process to win his 4th league MVP award. After knocking out the Knicks and Pacers in the first two rounds, it was the much maligned Boston Celtics that stood in the Heat’s way from returning to the Finals. The Heat prevailed in seven hard-fought games, with LeBron putting up monster numbers in the series: 33.6 points, 11 rebounds and 3.9 assists. Game 1 set the tone as he poured in 32, 13 and 3. Featured here are a pair of LeBron’s game-worn Nike from that pivotal opening round home game vs. the Celtics on May 28, 2012. The consignor acquired them directly from a Miami Heat ball boy who worked the game at American Airlines Arena.
These Nike Zoom “LeBron 9.5” signature model shoes have an innovative design with a built-in interior compartment for additional padding and several breathable panels for improved temperature control. They have high ankle support, but are essentially mid-cut shoes. “King James” logos can be found in three places: on the heel pull tab, on the outsole, and affixed to the shoelace bottoms. The tongues have the LeBron James facsimile signature stamp. “LEBRON” is stamped on the heel of the left shoe and “JAMES” is stamped in the same spot on the right one. The original laces are intact. The size 16 shoes are appropriately tagged on the interior with “SEASON SU12” and “PROMO SAMPLE20120326” indicating that they were player-issued for the 2012 postseason. They exhibit solid wear throughout, highlighted by reddish, blood-like staining on both shoelaces—darker on the right shoe—where the King James logo is affixed. On the right shoe, LeBron has added his signature and “#6”. He has provided a rare “King James” inscription to the left shoe, both in 8/10 black marker.
Coming in a unique white, gray and red colorway, this exact style can only be matched to one game during the 2012 NBA playoffs: Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on May 28. In the 4th quarter, with the Heat pulling away, Celtics enforcer Kevin Garnett fouled LeBron hard to prevent an easy basket, which prompted King James to taunt KG with the ball and yell out “Yeeeeaaaaahhhh!” in his face. The Heat would not be denied with LeBron ferociously willing them to victory. They went on to beat the Thunder in the Finals to give King James his first ring. Incredible pair of LeBron gamers with a reliable team source, who would like to remain anonymous.
Includes Letter of Provenance from consignor, who got acquired them from a Heat ball boy. Full LOA from PSA/DNA for the autographs.