This week in kicks: Lebron's Bryce-inspired 22s

• Curry 11s' in Academy Award winning performance
• The Butler's did it for Melbourne United star Ian Clark in the NBL25 Grand Final
• NBA Steals Leader Dyson Daniels is also responsible for the Fit of the Week ... is there anything he can't do

It’s been seven days of stunting in world basketball, with the sneaker game at an all time high both in Australia and across the globe.

Under Armour have been particularly active — they signed cult hero and current Seattle Storm player Nika Mühl, provided De’Aaron Fox with a Kentucky inspired version of his signature model as March Madness approaches, not to mention had their very own Oscars viral moment.

And while Bronny James has been in the news this week, it was LeBron James’ other son who had his own sneaker moment during one of his dad’s signature accomplishments.

LeBron channels son during 50K milestone ‍

Bronny James was plastered across headlines this week, after a run-in between his four-time MVP father and broadcasting mega-star Stephen A Smith, but it was his younger brother Bryce who was channelled during LeBron’s 50K milestone.

James senior became the NBA’s first-ever 50,000-point man this week, and he did so in a pair of Nike LeBron 22s inspired by his youngest son, Bryce.

The Lakers star pulled on the 'Bryce’s World' LeBron 22s, a blue-and-green gradient that also featured a cartoon version of his youngest son’s face in his graduation cap.

James’ 22nd signature shoe is jam-packed with top-of-the-line technology, with a sole featuring Zoom Turbo, Cushlon 2.0, and Zoom Air to help the 40-year-old remain one of the most elite players in the NBA.

Under Armour capitalise on Oscar moment ‍

It’s not often that the Oscars and the sneaker industry cross over, but if there was one man to do it it would be Adam Sandler.

During Hollywood’s night of nights, the acting icon appeared in a skit with host Conan O’Brien, where he was berated for showing up in one of his "signature" outfits — a collared shirt, zip-up hoodie, basketball shorts, and a pair of "Championship Mindset" Curry 11s.

While the bit played up Sandler’s less-than-black-tie attire, it was Under Armour who had the last laugh, re-releasing the blue and gold sneakers following the awards show.

While Curry’s shoes have been worn on some of the biggest stages in basketball, the Oscars represent their first foray into show-business, worn by maybe Hollywood’s most famous pickup basketballer. ‍

Flagg rocks New Balance collab as Nike unveils Duke Kobe PE ‍

The introduction of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals in college basketball has created some of the most interesting sneaker situations in recent times, and this week we saw one of the most high-profile examples play out.

Cooper Flagg, the projected number one pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, rocked the latest New Balance collaboration with CNCPTS as he headed in to his next game with college team Duke - a team long sponsored by Nike.

But while Duke might be a swoosh school, Flagg himself has an NIL deal with New Balance, an arrangement that sees the 18-year-old wear New Balance off the court, but Nike on it, usually opting for the Kobe 6, which he has consistently worn in the All-Star 2.0, Mambacita, and Think Pink colourway.

Speaking of Duke’s Kobe love, keep your eyes peeled for the women’s team, who this week unveiled their own exclusive version of the Kobe 9 low. ‍

Ian Clark dominates NBL finals in Warriors star’s shoes

Ian Clark is one member of an incredibly exclusive club, having won titles in both the NBA, with the Golden State Warriors, and in the NBL, with the Sydney Kings.

Now with Melbourne United, Clark has been putting that finals experience to work, powering them through their semi-finals clash with Perth, as well as the first Grand Final game against Illawarra, while wearing some eye-catching kicks.

Clark has been pulling on the third signature shoe of Jimmy Butler — the Li Ning JB3 — the latest all-star signing from his former team.

The Melbourne Import has been wearing the Chinese brand consistently through 2025, after starting the season preferring a rotation of varied brands.

FIT OF THE WEEK: Dyson Daniels

Every week, we’ll pick one Aussie or Aussie-adjacent hooper who has put together the fit of the week.

There’s not much Dyson Daniels can’t steal, and this week he’s stolen our fit of the week, in a simple-yet-classic outfit anchored by a pair of Timberlands.

Since leaving Nike, Daniels has been experimenting with his footwear options in his entrance fits, and this workwear-inspired ensemble finished off with the shades is some of his best work yet.

About the Author

Jed Wells is a basketball, fashion and culture writer based out of Sydney, Australia, with a keen interest on the sneaker industry both on and off the court. He is still waiting for his own signature shoe.