"The Decision" for LeBron James to leave
Cleveland in the summer of 2010 and "take his talents to South Beach" had to feel like the right one less than two years later when he,
Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and company hoisted the Larry O’Brien trophy as
2012 NBA Champions. The following season King James was determined to
lead the Miami Heat back to the Finals to win another title, and that’s exactly what
he did, taking home his 2nd straight league MVP award in the
process.
Presented here are LeBron’s game-worn and dual-signed signature model Nike sneakers from his back-to back MVP and Championship 2012-13 season. He wore this pair in a
January 6, 2013, an emphatic 99 -71 home
victory over the Washington Wizards. LeBron led all scores with 24 points and added 7 assists in a balanced Heat attack backed by Ray Allen's hot shooting off the bench. The shoes have been conclusively photo-matched by the experts at Resolution Photomatching using their precise side-by-side photographic analysis.
These Nike Zoom 'LeBron X Home PE' shoes are one of three colorways
matching the Miami Heat home uniform, with a white-based upper, red
Hyperfuse panels and a red Nike Swoosh. The 10th edition of Nike
LeBron's have an innovative design with high ankle support, a built-in
interior compartment for additional padding and several breathable
panels for temperature control.
Each one is game-dated “1-6-13” in black marker (likely by the equipment manager) inside the tongue roof. The King James logo is stamped on the tongue and outsoles.
LeBron’s facsimile autograph stamp appears on the reverse of the tongue
pull tabs. His jersey number "6" emblem appears on each inner heel. They come with their original red/black laces. The size 16 shoes are
appropriately tagged on the interior with "SEASON SP13" and "PROMO
SAMPLE 20121106" indicating they were player-issued for 2012-13 use.
The insoles have been removed most likely for customized orthotic inserts LeBron is prone to use. They display evident wear, with appropriate heel drag and unique creasing in the red midsole cushioning that was essential for the photo-match. LBJ has signed the toes of each sneaker in 9/10 black marker, the right with his No. "6" inscribed and the left "King James."
LOA from Resolution Photomatching using a close-up shot of the shoes (Getty 159082929). LOA from Steve Grad of Beckett Authentication (autos.).