Stephen Curry Wears LeBron Nike Shoes During Warriors Lakers Game

Merlin sees Stephen Curry paying a quiet tribute to LeBron James by wearing LeBron's Nike LeBron X ID on the bench during Thursday’s Warriors-Lakers game. Now a shoe free agent after splitting with Under Armour, Curry has been experimenting with different brands, even warming up in Kevin Durant’s signature shoes earlier this week. LeBron called the move "Out the vault" and "super special." Curry missed the game as he rehabs a knee, and Golden State already holds a play-in spot. Off court the moment is telling. Brands will court him while he uses shoes as signals and tributes. Merlin thinks the LeBron look is part respect, part audition, and part bargaining chip for a big deal. For now Curry’s focus is the playoffs; the shoe drama will wait for the offseason.