Nike LeBron 21 Prime ‘96

For the ones who rep Prime Time and The King

Release date: April 25, 2025

Retail Price: 180 to 200 USD

King LeBron is on his 21st season with the NBA and if this wasn’t crazy enough, he’s serving us Prime Time legend vibes with these new kicks, which are a shoutout to Deion Sanders, a.k.a. Coach Prime. This is for basketball lovers who show off major respect and a shared mindset of sports greatness. Style-wise this drop blends old-school energy with LeBron’s on-court dominance, inspired by the Nike Air Diamond Turf '96. Wear it for the double cool factor, it’s loud, flashy, and unapologetically confident.

Design details

The “Prime ‘96” taps into the OG Nike Air Diamond Turf look. The varsity red/white and black/white colorways scream vintage Deion. The standout midfoot strap is straight from Deion’s 1993 playbook, also featuring deep grooves that slash across the sidewalls into the midsole, showing off the signature LeBron 21 string-line detailing. And what would sports royalty kicks be without a flash of gold? That’s where the gilded Swoosh and top lace eyelets come in.

Performance

This may look like a football shoe to the untrained eye, but don’t get it twisted. It’s a Nike LeBron James shoe and it’s built for the hardwood. You’ve got a full Air Zoom setup for bounce, and foam to soften landings. The mesh upper keeps things light and breathable while locking you down with 360° support cables. The shell structure keeps you stable but still gives comfort when you're making explosive cuts.

How to wear the Nike LeBron 21 “Prime ‘96”

This one goes hard with athletic wear, especially if you’re leaning into retro fits and Instagram summer moments. Think throwback jerseys, tapered joggers, or even outdoor clothing if you’re styling for the streets. The bold colorway gives big energy, so you can keep the rest of your outfit simple. And if you’ve bought this for the court, you’ve already won with style and performance. 

Who is Deion Sanders?

Deion Sanders, nicknamed “Prime Time,” is one of the most iconic athletes ever. He dominated in both the NFL and MLB, making him one of the few to go pro in two sports at the same time. Known for his flashy style and game-changing plays Deion made headlines every time he stepped on the field. He’s still shaking things up as the head coach at Colorado. He’s a cross generational legend.

LeBron and Deion have always had respect for each other. Deion’s swagger and confidence inspired a young LeBron, and now that energy’s coming full circle. LeBron’s even said Prime helped shape his mindset: play big, talk bigger, and back it all up. As Deion coaches his son Shedeur into stardom, it mirrors the way LeBron’s built his own “family business” on the court. Shedeur is currently eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft. Expect more greatness, and inspiration for the fans.

Release date and retail price

The Nike LeBron 21 “Prime ‘96” will be released on April 25th and will retail between $180 and $200. Look out for it at Nike stores and select clothing shops. Hit us up at the Notorious Lifestyle store to request one of the first pairs in Aurora, Colorado