Memphis Grizzlies star guard, Desmond Bane, is going against the team's unwritten rule of not wearing opponents' signature shoes as he faces off against Los Angeles Lakers star, LeBron James, in the play-offs. Bane, who has suffered from a Grade 2 sprain in his right big toe since November 2022, found that James' Nike "LeBron XX" sneakers provided him with the support he needed, much to his chagrin. As a Nike athlete, Bane had no other choice but to wear the LeBron XXs as his previous Kyrie Irving and Paul George's sneakers did not give him the support he required.

James and Bane have a history that has seen them exchange trash-talk and small shoves on the court. Despite this, James commended Bane for wearing his sneakers, calling it "super dope." He also offered to send more pairs of the sneakers to Bane, showing cordiality despite the rivalry between the two teams in the play-offs. LeBron's Lakers currently lead 1-0 in the series, but it remains to be seen whether James' kind gesture off the court will be reflected in the rivalry on the court.