LeBron James celebrated his 39th birthday while wearing the LeBron 21 signature sneaker during a game against the Charlotte Hornets. The special pair he sported featured the “Duke” colorway, paying homage to the legendary collegiate basketball program, despite LeBron never having played college basketball himself.

Since joining the NBA, LeBron has released a new signature shoe every season, and the LeBron 21 debuted in various color options on September 28. While the “Duke” colorway that LeBron wore in the game is not currently available, other colorways such as “Abalone,” “Freshwater,” “Dragon Pearl,” “Akoya,” and “Tahitian” can be purchased on Nike’s website for around $200.

During the game against the Hornets, LeBron, despite nearing his 39th birthday, displayed his impact as a player. In just 24 minutes of play, he contributed 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 11 assists, recording his fifth double-double of the season in terms of points and assists. The Lakers secured a 133-112 victory, with several teammates also scoring in double figures thanks to LeBron’s playmaking.

Following a loss to the Celtics, the Lakers improved their season record to 17-15 with this win, placing them in eighth place in the Western Conference. Despite being in his 21st season, LeBron continues to impress with his average of 25.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game in the 29 games he has played so far this season. His performance serves as a testament to his enduring skill and ability to contribute at a high level.