LeBron James and Nike are navigating a wave of public criticism following the reveal of a new sneaker intended to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The controversy centers on the "Honor the King" edition of the LeBron 23, a teal-colored sneaker that critics argue misses the mark by drawing direct inspiration from the site of a national tragedy.

The specific point of contention is the shoe's colorway, which Nike confirmed is inspired by the teal signage of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee—the location where Dr. King was assassinated in 1968. While the building now houses the National Civil Rights Museum, many voices across social media and the sports world have labeled the design as "tone-deaf" for using the backdrop of a gruesome murder as an aesthetic for a $210 retail product.

Among the most vocal critics is ESPN’s Clinton Yates, who expressed his disbelief on social media, suggesting that the release indicates a lack of diverse voices in leadership roles at Nike. David Dennis Jr., a senior writer for Andscape, echoed these sentiments, calling the move "disgraceful" and pointing out the irony of using a capitalistic venture to honor a man who was in Memphis specifically to fight for the labor rights of striking sanitation workers. Dennis noted that there are numerous other symbols of King's life—from Atlanta to Washington, D.C.—that could have served as inspiration without tethering a fashion statement to his death.

In response to the growing backlash, Nike Vice President of Communications John Jowers defended the project in an interview with The New York Times, stating that design is subjective and the company’s intent was to pay homage to the civil rights icon's life. Nike also noted that the shoe serves a dual purpose, marking a 2008 game where James scored 51 points against the Memphis Grizzlies on MLK Day.

However, according to The New York Times, the National Civil Rights Museum has distanced itself from the project. Museum President Russell Wigginton clarified that while the organization appreciates the recognition of their work, they were not involved in the development or approval of the sneaker.

As the NBA continues its season, the "Honor the King" release has reopened a broader conversation about the thin line between tribute and commercial exploitation. For an athlete like James, who has long been praised for his activism and "More Than an Athlete" mantra, this latest collaboration with Nike has placed him in the rare position of defending a branding choice that many feel trivializes Black history.