Lakers News: “Stolen Style?”: Fans Slam LeBron James and Nike for Copying Giannis' Sneaker Design

LeBron James is facing criticism for his latest sneaker release, the Nike LeBron TR 1, which some fans believe closely resembles Giannis Antetokounmpo's Freak 6 “Naija.”

The new training shoe , showcased in a Smoke Grey colorway, features a bright green Nike logo and green soles against a blackish-grey backdrop.

Set to hit stores this fall, the timing of its announcement has raised eyebrows, especially since it follows closely on the heels of Giannis's shoe reveal.

While LeBron debuted the sneakers during an exhibition series, the official images have sparked a debate among sneaker enthusiasts.

Many have pointed out the similarities between the two designs, particularly the neon green accents that make them look alike from a distance.

Fans have expressed their disappointment online, with some accusing LeBron of lacking originality.

One social media user wasn’t impressed, not because he felt the shoes’ design was copied, but because they may not have met his expectations. “Awful looking,” the individual wrote.

Similarly to the above commenter, another individual was not impressed. In fact, they went as far as to claim that the ‘LeBron TR 1’ was an example of the 20x NBA All-Star’s line “getting worse and worse.”

Others have compared the new design to Anthony Edwards' AE1 sneakers, noting that while there are differences, the overall look is underwhelming.

The feedback has been largely negative, with some calling the design plain compared to LeBron's previous releases, which often featured more vibrant colorways.

The LeBron TR 1 is priced at $130, which is on par with other models in his line. However, given the mixed reactions, it remains to be seen how well these sneakers will perform in the market once they are available for purchase.