LeBron James Gifts Ohio State Basketball Team with New Shoes

The Lakers star and Ohio State superfan provides the Buckeyes with custom-designed LeBron 23 PE sneakers ahead of big game against Virginia.

Feb. 14, 2026 at 8:55pm

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LeBron James, a longtime supporter of Ohio State athletics, gifted the Buckeyes men's basketball team with custom-designed LeBron 23 PE sneakers ahead of their upcoming game against Virginia. James wore Buckeye-themed shoes during a recent Lakers game against the Mavericks, and then surprised the Ohio State team with the same special edition kicks the next day.

Why it matters

LeBron's gesture underscores his deep connection to Ohio State, where he has frequently supported the school's sports teams over the years. The custom sneakers are a tangible way for James to show his Buckeye pride and provide the basketball team with some added motivation and team spirit as they prepare to face a tough opponent.

The details

During the Lakers' game against the Mavericks on Thursday, LeBron James wore a pair of Scarlet and Gray sneakers featuring the Ohio State Block O logo. The next day, the Ohio State men's basketball team announced they had received "Special new kicks for the squad" - the LeBron 23 PE shoes that James had gifted them. The team is expected to wear the custom sneakers when they take on Virginia in the Nashville Hoops Showdown on Saturday.

  • On February 13, 2026, LeBron James wore Ohio State-themed shoes during the Lakers' game against the Mavericks.
  • On February 14, 2026, Ohio State basketball announced they had received the custom LeBron 23 PE sneakers from James.

The players

LeBron James

A 4-time NBA champion and 18-time All-Star who is a longtime supporter of Ohio State athletics.

Ohio State Men's Basketball Team

The basketball team at Ohio State University that will be wearing the custom LeBron 23 PE sneakers gifted to them by James.

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What’s next

The Ohio State men's basketball team is set to take on the University of Virginia in the Nashville Hoops Showdown on Saturday, February 15, 2026. The team is expected to wear the custom LeBron 23 PE sneakers gifted to them by James during this game.

The takeaway

LeBron James' continued support for Ohio State athletics, including his latest gesture of gifting the men's basketball team custom sneakers, demonstrates his deep connection to his home state and the Buckeye program. This type of high-profile endorsement and material support can provide a boost of morale and team spirit as Ohio State prepares to face a tough opponent.