For the 2024 NBA All-Star festivities held in February, LeBron James unveiled a unique player exclusive for his current signature sneaker, the Nike LeBron 21. Dubbed the Prime Year PE, this LeBron 21 draws inspiration from Deion Sanders's classic Nike Air DT Max 96, which shock dropped in February, with a wider release in June. Deion Sanders wore the number 21 throughout his career, and the 2023-24 NBA season was year 21 for LeBron, so the mashup of signature sneakers made perfect sense for a PE.
For Game 3 of Round 1 of the Western Conference Playoffs, LeBron James laced up another DT Max 96-themed colorway of the LeBron 21 as he looked to lead his Los Angeles Lakers to their first win of the series against the defending champs, the Denver Nuggets. This Nike LeBron 21 Prime Year Red PE comes in the original white, varsity red, and black colorway seen on the DT Max 96. A black tongue, sockliner, laces, and portions of the outsole accent the white and red upper. A metallic gold Swoosh is embroidered on the sides for added flair, while the midfoot strap borrowed from the classic Diamond Turf marries the two designs perfectly.
Feeding into the hype this player exclusive caused, Nike has decided to release the Prime Year PE, renamed the LeBron 21 Prime 96, for Summer 2025!
The Nike LeBron 21 Prime 96 is set to release on April 25, 2025, through Nike, SNKRS, and select retailers online and in-store. Coming in men's sizing, retail is set at $180. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest from the Nike LeBron line and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Nike LeBron 21 Prime 96
Image via Lakers
Nike Air DT Max 96 White Varsity Red
Image via Flightclub
Steve Jaconetta is the Head of Content based out of Connecticut. An encyclopedia for sneaker releases, he's covered the industry for over fifteen years. His stops have included Sole Collector, Complex, and StockX, to name a few. He considers the Air Jordan 11 Concord the greatest sneaker of all time and has a strong affection for 80s pop culture. Email: steve@soleretriever.com
