LeBron James and Deion Sanders Drop the Nike LeBron 21 "Prime 96"

The Nike LeBron 21 "Prime 96" sneakers will be released on April 25 for $200.
LeBron James and Deion Sanders collaborated on the Nike LeBron 21 "Prime 96" colorway.
LeBron James and Deion Sanders collaborated on the Nike LeBron 21 "Prime 96" colorway. | Nike

Two of the greatest athletes of all time have teamed up for an epic sneaker collaboration. Two-sport icon and Colorado Buffaloes football coach Deion Sanders has formed an unstoppable partnership with Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James.

Sanders and James are both signature Nike athletes who have a never-ending stream of new sneakers keeping fans happy. Combine their star power, and the result is one of the hottest sneaker drops of Spring.

Last season, James debuted a colorway of his 21st signature basketball shoe inspired by Sanders' retro trainers. After more than a year, the super-hyped hoop shoes are finally hitting shelves.

White, red, and black Nike LeBron sneakers.
Side view of the Nike LeBron 21 "Prime 96" colorway. | Nike

The Nike LeBron 21 is dropping in the "Prime 96" colorway at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 25. Online shoppers can buy the sneakers for $200 in adult sizes on the Nike SNKRS app, Foot Locker, and other select retailers.

There is doubt that the Nike LeBron 21 "Prime 96" colorway will sell out quickly online. Athletes and fans may have to pay above retail price on sneaker resale websites.

Currently, the average resale price is $285 on StockX. Consumers can expect the resale prices to briefly dip after the initial release only to gradually rise over time.

White, red, and black Nike LeBron shoes.
Rear view of the Nike LeBron 21 "Prime 96" colorway. | Nike

Back in the day, Deion "Prime Time" Sanders ignited the imagination of a young LeBron "King" James to strive for his own greatness.

It is only right that the Nike LeBron 21 pays tribute to the Nike Air Diamond Turf '96 in colors reminiscent of the Atlanta Falcons (or the San Francisco 49ers) as the debate lives on.

The "Prime 96" colorway features a predominantly white upper, complimented by Fire Red details that resemble claw scratches.

White, red, and Nike LeBron sneakers.
Top view of the Nike LeBron 21 "Prime 96" colorway. | Nike

It was an unmistakable feature on Sanders' kicks, symbolizing both the aggressiveness of a prime athlete and the fierceness of competition.

These shoes don't just look great; they perform at the highest levels. The Nike LeBron 21 combines the iconic midfoot strap and claw marks that Sanders wore during his heyday with court-ready Air Zoom cushioning.

Currently, James is leading the Lakers through the Western Conference Playoffs, and Sanders continues to shake up college football in Boulder, Colorado.

Black and red Nike shoe outsole.
Bottom view of the Nike LeBron 21 "Prime 96" colorway. | Nike

The two iconic athletes did not just shape the sports world; they have revolutionized the sneaker industry. Seeing James and Sanders teams up has been a dream for fans and sneakerheads.

Hopefully, this will not be the last sneaker collaboration between James and Sanders. Nike has completely relaunched Sanders' signature sneaker line and has major plans for the old-school kicks for the foreseeable future.

Stay locked Sports Illustrated's Kicks On SI for all your footwear and apparel news from the sports world.

More Sneakers News

[Interview] Deion Sanders discusses the future of signature Nike sneaker line.

LeBron James debuts the Nike LeBron 21 "Coach Prime" in the NBA All-Star Game.

Deion Sanders and the Ohio State Buckeyes inspired LeBron James' new Nike sneakers.

The Nike Air Diamond Turf "Cowboys" colorway drops on Halloween 2025.

Deion Sanders unveils more Nike Air DT Max '96 colorways.


Published
Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers the sneaker industry for Kicks On Sports Illustrated. As a leading voice in footwear journalism, he breaks news, spotlights important stories, and interviews the biggest names in sports. Previously, Pat has reported on the NBA and authored "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)." You can email him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.

Share on XFollow Pat_Benson_Jr