Nike Basketball's Top Stars Are Getting Added to the Naughty List

Whenever the festive season arrives, Nike’s basketball division have typically fully invested in spreading holiday cheer… but this time around, their intentions are a little more devious. Instead of looking for presents under the tree, the Swoosh’s hoopers are waiting for Saint Nick with stockings in hand, hoping they’ve done enough damage on-court to earn a coal prize.

The Naughty List is expanding its roster this year, with new badly-behaved takes on the Sabrina 4, Book 2, LeBron 24, and Ja 4 High. Both Sabrina Ionescu and Devin Booker’s latest signature shoes are sporting the same colourway, featuring a semi-translucent red shroud over what appears to be a black-based upper. A spot of green lands on the tongue logos of each shoe, and attached tags confirm each baller has disappointed Mr Claus this year. Surprisingly enough, the reverse side of these tags also warn the wearer not to lace these up on the hardwood, as they are intended only for casual wear.

LeBron James’ iteration of the LeBron 24 is constructed in the same material as Ionescu and Booker’s pairs, except the shroud appears with a tinge of green. Some have suggested that this flipped means the King has actually been added to the Nice List, but he hasn’t been totally innocent of fouls this season.

Ja Morant’s high-top version of the Ja 4 has also thrown on a shade of green, but it lacks the shroud feature and mixes in accents of ‘Bright Crimson’, feeling somewhat like a tribute to the Black Mamba’s iconic Kobe 6 ‘Grinch’ colourway.

There are still some stars missing from this ankle-shattering lineup, but it’s likely that their pairs will keep to the same red-and-green palette as well.

The only tentative release date at this moment is for the LeBron 24, which is expected to hit shelves on December 4, but the rest of the ‘Christmas’ collection is yet to be confirmed. Be sure to keep it locked to Sneaker Freaker for all updates as we get closer to December.

Wondering what Kobe Bryant’s version of this naughty theme would look like? Well you’re in luck, as the Kobe 6 will be launching in a ‘Coals’ colourway.