Fashion, Passion And Quite A Bit Of Cash On
Don’t be alarmed, homies, those sirens you’re hearing are the fashion police, and we’re back again looking at the best of NBA fashion. In one of our previous articles, we highlighted how the arena tunnel entrance had become an opportunity for athletes to stunt their latest fits, and LeBron James, “The King,” is no exception.
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We couldn’t begin a series profiling the sickest drips without mentioning King James. However, it wasn’t always well-tailored garments, designer suits, and perfectly fitted sweats.
LeBron Fashion Then vs. Now: The White Suit Showdown
Before the billions, 10 NBA Finals, four championship successes, the all-time leading scorer record in NBA history, and a reputation as the greatest to ever grace the court, LeBron wasn’t exactly a fashion connoisseur.
Who remembers when the Akron, Ohio rookie turned up to the NBA Draft in 2004 dressed in a white suit that looked like it had been stolen straight from a campsite? The tent-like fit was a site for sore eyes.
They got Brett from love is blind in an all white suit looking like LeBron James on draft night pic.twitter.com/wKDJF4WDFZ
— Jonny (@jxnnyf) April 14, 2023
For comparison’s sake, this is how LeBron rocked a white suit in 2023.
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I guess the NBA 2004 Draft white suit catastrophe that made NBA news headlines haunts LeBron’s mind as much as it did our eyes. But as you can see, everything is right with the world, and he’s corrected this mistake and understands the meaning of tailored.
Speaking of suits, the all-black satin vibe with a hint of red works flawlessly.
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So, what has changed between 2004 and now? How did King James become a fashion icon? Well, let’s be honest; becoming one of the highest-paid athletes in the world doesn’t hurt. The man could buy an entire clothes store and eventually find something that works, right? Not so much… When you’re a billionaire, hiring a stylist affects the bank, like buying a can of soda for the average person.
Don’t be fooled; James has adopted his fashion sense from his long-time stylist and friend, Kesha McLeod. Kevin Durant and Dwyane Wade are some of the other notable stars in her clientele.
She’s evidently drilled into LeBron’s mind that tailoring is imperative. No more white suits that could be mistaken for a wedding tent; nothing’s too long, tight, short, or loose – like a basketballer entering a woman doing Kegels, James’ clothes fit just right.
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Jokes aside, what I respect about LeBron’s fashion is his ability to sport casual and formal pieces between his apparent taste for athleisure. He doesn’t opt to wear some of the statement pieces we’ve watched walk through the tunnel; nah, the King isn’t suckered into that game. Sweats, shorts, jeans, topcoats, suits, tracksuits; you never really know what LeBron will wear, but he often wears it well as there isn’t much to hate on – especially when he’s matching Timberlands and color codes with his daughter.
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With that said, God bless the several tailors and 18 sewing machines working in tandem that are likely required to craft the clothes for his 6-foot-9-inch frame.
Until next time, deuces, I’m out.
