Curry Pays Tribute to LeBron with Nike LeBron 10 IDs

The Warriors star's creative footwear choices spark conversations about athlete endorsements and camaraderie in the NBA.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:48pm by

An abstract, expressionist painting featuring vibrant, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the dynamic movement and energy of basketball players, with their faces and jerseys blending into a colorful, abstract composition.Curry's customized tribute to LeBron's signature shoes reflects the deep respect between NBA superstars, even as they compete fiercely on the court.San Francisco Today

Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors point guard, recently wore a pair of Nike LeBron X ID shoes as a tribute to LeBron James, the basketball legend. This gesture has caught the attention of fans and sparked discussions about the evolving nature of athlete endorsements and the camaraderie within the NBA community.

Why it matters

Curry's shoe choice showcases a unique form of respect between two of the game's biggest stars, highlighting the deep-rooted connections and admiration that can exist even among fierce rivals. It also raises questions about whether we're witnessing a shift in athlete endorsements, where the focus is moving beyond just financial gains to more creative and personal collaborations.

The details

Curry, who is currently a 'shoe free agent' after parting ways with Under Armour, has been using his footwear choices to pay tribute to various cities, teams, and players. This includes warming up in Kevin Durant's signature shoes, a nod to his former teammate. Curry's creative approach to endorsements could revolutionize the way athletes engage with brands, leading to more authentic partnerships and deeper connections with fans.

  • Curry wore the Nike LeBron X ID shoes in a recent game.
  • Earlier this week, Curry warmed up in Kevin Durant's signature shoes.

The players

Stephen Curry

The point guard for the Golden State Warriors who recently paid tribute to LeBron James by wearing a pair of Nike LeBron X ID shoes.

LeBron James

A basketball legend and one of the greatest players of his generation, whose signature shoes were worn by Curry as a gesture of respect.

Kevin Durant

A former teammate of Curry's, whose signature shoes Curry wore as a tribute.

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What they’re saying

“Curry's decision to wear James' signature shoes is particularly intriguing given his current status as a 'shoe free agent.' Since parting ways with Under Armour, Curry has had the freedom to experiment with different brands and models, and he's been using this opportunity to pay tribute to various cities, teams, and players.”

— The author

What’s next

It will be interesting to see how Curry's shoe journey unfolds. Will he continue to experiment with different brands, or will he eventually settle on a new signature shoe line? Only time will tell.

The takeaway

This story highlights the intricate web of relationships and influences within the basketball world. It's a reminder that, while the game is fiercely competitive, there's also a deep respect and admiration among players. Curry's gesture towards LeBron James is a beautiful example of this, and it adds a whole new layer of intrigue to the world of basketball.