James, Van Dijk unveil new Liverpool FC x LeBron collection
Credit to Author: Chris Wright| Date: Wed, 6 Mar 2024 07:29:32 EST
Gab & Juls discuss the Premier League title race ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Man City in the Premier League. (1:28)
One year on from the launch of their debut collaboration, Liverpool have once again joined forces with LeBron James to create a second collection of bespoke athletic and streetwear.
Los Angeles Lakers star James had just become the all-time leading points scorer in NBA history when the first Liverpool FC x LeBron collection dropped in February 2023, and now he has unveiled LBJ x LFC Chapter 2 just days after reaching 40,000 career points.
James has become something of a staple at Liverpool in recent years having been both a fan and a minority shareholder in the Premier League club since 2011.
To launch the collection, James stood alongside Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk — or, as the hoops star dubbed him in a message to congratulate the Netherlands defender on taking the armband, “VVD my guy.”
Chapter 2 of the range melds football and basketball aesthetics and includes a limited edition hoop jersey, a football shirt and a fresh revamp of James’ signature Nike LeBron sneakers — all of which are rendered in a colour palette reminiscent of Liverpool’s classic teal away strip.
The two jerseys both carry the famous “YNWA” (“You’ll Never Walk Alone”) print motif across the midriff which is also woven into the fabric alongside LeBron’s own personal mantra “SFG,” which stands for “Strive For Greatness”.
The football shirt is black with gold and teal trim and features a tonal checkerboard pattern made up of squares, stripes, the two aforementioned mantras and both the Liverpool club crest and LeBron’s “King James” logo.
The basketball version sees the colours jumbled to create a blue-teal vest with black and gold accents that has the same pattern, crests and details affixed to the front.
The ultra lightweight sneakers are technically designated as the LFC x LeBron Nike NXXT Gen Amplified trainers and are white with a teal sole. The Liverpool “Liver bird” club crest is also emblazoned in gold on the tongue and the heel, meaning the Reds will be present with James whenever he takes to the court while wearing them.
The wider clothing capsule — modelled by Liverpool stars including Alisson Becker, Ryan Gravenberch, Taylor Hinds and Andy Robertson — also includes t-shirts, a warm-up top and a jacket.
Van Dijk, who is hoping to beat title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City and captain Liverpool to their second Premier League crown in five years, said: “It’s great to have worked together alongside LeBron to launch this collaboration. I’m excited for everyone to see what we’ve created.”
Liverpool vice-captain Hinds, who has scored goals in Women’s Super League clashes against both Manchester City and Manchester United this season, added: “It’s another great collaboration between LFC and LBJ, a fantastic mix of basketball and football fits.”