"Stop Begging": Nike Triggers Fans’ Outrage After Crowning LeBron James the GOAT With New ‘Chosen’ Air Force 1s

Nike fans were left outraged over the design of the brand’s upcoming “New York" Air Force 1, which is set to be released as part of a collaboration with LeBron James. For the good part of a decade now, fans have been debating about who the better basketball player is between James and Michael Jordan.

This is a debate that spans all of basketball, and Nike has stirred the pot with one particular detail on James’ new shoes that fans have been quick to notice. The shiny black leather “New York” Air Force 1 features a small symbol of a GOAT embedded on its sole.

Pictures of the shoe were shared on social media by the Instagram account @brkicks. Fans flooded the comments section of the post, criticizing both Nike and James for the design.

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Some fans took offense at the brand, citing the financial success it has enjoyed by working with Michael Jordan. Here are the most noteworthy reactions:

“Stop begging,” one fan wrote. “I’m a fan of LeBron. But these ain’t it,” said another fan. “Wait, was this pair meant for MJ? Messed up, they gave him the wrong pair,” a fan said. “Go Onto Another Team. That’s who he is,” commented another fan. “I don’t think MJ needs more shoes,” a fan opined.

Fans react to the design of LeBron James’ new Air Force 1s

Nike and James have not and are not expected to address the outrage over the design of his new Air Force 1s.

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LeBron James expected to be out until mid-November as LA Lakers roll on

LeBron James has missed the LA Lakers' first five games of the 2025-26 season, marking the first time in his 23-season career that he hasn't been available to start a new campaign. The 40-year-old is suffering from sciatica and is not expected to be back before November.

James was solid for the Lakers last season, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game. Despite missing his contributions to start the new campaign, the Lakers have done well, going 3-2 in their first five games.

Austin Reaves has stepped up big time in James and Luka Doncic's absence, averaging 34.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 10 assists in his first five games of the season.

James hopes to return soon, as he is in the final year of his contract with the Lakers and will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026.

Edited by Sameer Khan