Air Jordan XI Low – White – Light Zen Grey – Unreleased Sample

The Air Jordan XI was a groundbreaking model in so many ways, from its unprecedented use of carbon fiber and patent leather to the fact that no team before or since has won more games than the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls. The AJXI also marked the start of a trend, with a lowtop model debuting the following summer that established the chopped-off look as an annual occurrence. And though this rare Air Jordan 11 Low sample is pictured atop a ’90s-era Nike box, we can fairly confidently conclude these are in fact a 2001-series production, as the XI Low only debuted in this form six years after the originals (the IE was the true OG AJXI Low). Click through for a closer look, let us know how this ‘Columbia’-like colorway compares to the ones that did make it to retail and check out the AJ11 sample available from qkro23 on eBay.

Air Jordan XI Low
White/Light-Zen Grey
136053-101

via Sneaker News

Air Jordan 3 Retro ‘Stealth’ – New Images

With all the talk of the Air Jordan III Retro in ‘Black Cement’ showing up in nubuck instead of the traditional tumbled leather, you might have forgotten that there’s a brand new AJ3 colorway on deck for the start of fall. Check out these new images of the Air Jordan 3 ‘Stealth’, a colorway that skillfully blends the AJ Legacy’s classic Chicago Bulls look with the tonal grey style that’s been so popular over the past several months. So we’re left with two Air Jordan IIIs for the rest of the year and this one will be coming first with a September release date.

Air Jordan III
Stealth/Varsity Red-Black-White
136064-003

via Sneaker News

Supra Skytop “Liberty” – Fourth of July Edition

Supra is dropping a special Skytop on July 2. The sneaker pays tribute to the Fourth of July.

You may not be able to blow stuff up in your city anymore, but that’s not preventing SUPRA from making fireworks this Fourth of July. To celebrate our Nation’s birthday we’ve created a star spangled SKYTOP draped in the colors of Old Glory. There are only 413 sequentially numbered pairs available. You can experience the Liberty’s red glare, and the bombs bursting in air on Saturday, July 2 exclusively at:

* FRANCE Colette, Paris
* GERMANY Solebox, Berlin
* SWEDEN Sneakersnstuff, Stockholm
* U.K. ONE at Slam City Skates, London
* U.S. Factory 413, Los Angeles

via The Shoe Game

The Best 50 Nike Dunk SBs Of All-Time

This is one list that will surely get everyone talking. Complex is still on their list grind, and they just dropped The Best 50 Nike Dunk SBs Of All-Time list. Yes, we said the best 50 Nike Dunk SBs of all-time. We know everyone is not going to agree with this list. However, check out the list by clicking here and let us know what you think in the comment section. Do you agree or disagree? via The Shoe Game

Air Jordan XIV (14) Retro – Graphite/Midnight Navy-Black –

The famous “Last Shot” Air Jordan is back in an all new colorway. We previewed the Air Jordan XIV (14) Retro in Graphite/Midnight Navy-Black last week and this week, we bring you more images of the upcoming sneaker in this clean cut colorway.

Inspired by a “Flint” colorway, the uppers of this Air Jordan XIV feature a Light Graphite nubuck upper, black and white accents with splashes of Midnight Navy all around. This model is becoming more and more popular as images keep popping up. Keep it locked on The Retro Sole Blog for more information on this instant classic Air Jordan retro. via Sneakerfiles

Air Jordan XIV
Light Graphite/Midnight Navy-Black
311832-011
10/2011
$160

Mizzee Customs- Air Jordan VI (6) Retro ‘Cement’ & ‘Raptor’

It looks as if the Air Jordan VI has been the best sneaker to customize as of late.

Some may say the ‘South Beach’ Air Jordan VI customs were one of the best, and that may have been true at the moment. However, check out two new custom AJVI’s done up by none other than Mizzee. Both feature classic colorways from other Air Jordan models and applied to the AJVI in a way that makes you wonder why hasn’t Jordan Brand started to apply classic colorway to Retro models instead of team models. via Sneakerfiles

Nike SB Paul Rodriguez (P-Rod) 2.5 Tiffany

The word "Tiffany" in relation to sneakers can produce two opposite reactions either a shudder of disappointment, or, a sense of elation. Luckily, this time around, these Tiffany's aren't SB Dunk Lows. Later this Summer Nike SB is set to release a pair of Tiffany inspired Nike SB P-Rod 2.5s. The Tiffany Nike SB P-Rod 2.5 features a Black based leather and nubuck upper with Tiffany Blue nubuck hits on the midpanel, ankle, tongue tab, and the stripe on the midsole. The upper also features a White leather Swoosh and the upper sits on a White sole.

The Tiffany Nike SB P-Rod 2.5 is set to release later this Summer. via Kix And The City

Sorry, Finland. You won’t see Ron Artest without a FIBA-fight

We will call him "Metta World Peace" until further notice, even if Los Angeles Superior Court has yet to recognize his hope for a name change. And we will also recognize that the soon-to-be former Ron Artest will not play in Finland next year or even this summer, assuming that there will be an NBA lockout. Oh, we're sure he wants to. We know World Peace would play the game for free regardless of his current, pre-lockout gig with the Lakers or any other team.

But the Finnish team? They won't pay, nor play him. Because they fear the wrath of David Stern, which inspires the wrath of NBA influence which leads to the wrath that hits FIBA where it counts which would preclude someone like World Peace from playing international basketball. Even if LeBron James decided to jump and work for an international team during the lockout, it wouldn't be worth it for them in regards to their standing with FIBA, and by extension the NBA. The NBA-inspired fallout just wouldn't be worth it.

That shouldn't stop the great site Ball in Europe (via The Basketball Jones) from discussing the possible switch:

"Finland's top league Korisliiga will witness some serious NBA talent in September 2011, when Los Angeles Lakers forward/multipersonality Ron Artest will join league newcomer LoKoKo Loimaa.

"The 31-year old Artest has three years left in his Lakers contract, but that doesn't seem to bother LoKoKo sports director Aleksi Valavuori, who backs up the rumor in Tuesday's Ilta-Sanomat newspaper.

"We have sorted things out and I can happily confirm that Artest will arrive in Finland," Valavuori states in the Ilta-Sanomat interview.

First off, Ball in Europe? Thank you for keeping the semi-prominent graphic of the bearded man smoking a cigarette while he fights for a rebound. We at BDL don't condone it, cigarettes cost an awful lot of money, but we think it's funny.

After that? Nah. Metta might want to, but World Peace won't get a contract from anything other than a rogue team that doesn't value its future.

The most prominent player that jumped into international play during the last extended lockout in 1998-99 was top NBA draft pick Michael Olowokandi, who signed with an Italian team during the lockout mainly because he was not under NBA contract at the time, as will be the case for each of the players taken in last week's draft. There will be several draftees or free agents that could possibly jump to international gigs while this NBA mess sorts itself out, but players like Artest just won't threaten a voided contract for a shot at a few weeks overseas.

(Also, I was just re-reminded that Olowokandi was 23 when he was drafted first overall in June of 1998. Not that I was a fan back then, but holy lord did we miss the boat on that guy.)

Players like Artest, already under contract, won't have the same options as their drafted and/or free agent brethren. Sure, it'll be collusion, but it hardly matters when things are technically unofficial. I don't much agree with any of David Stern's more heavy-handed leanings, but impressing on international teams that he indirectly helps support through FIBA and Olympic basketball to not sign under-contract NBA players is far from the worst thing he's ever done. Stern has become an unfortunate tool for the sort of owner that we all despise at this point, but he's well within his rights to unofficially lean on FIBA-branded teams not to pilfer his players with what would honestly be hardly-legal contracts.

So, Metta World Peace? Try to act the groundbreaker, again. Just don't expect that team in Finland, or anywhere else, to follow through on giving you a gig to help you with the summertime blues.

That said, Metta, if you do want something to occupy your time? Hundreds of couples will fight, this summer, as they attempt to set up tents while on summer vacation. Do you mind helping us, and saving us from saying things we don't mean?

Thanks, World Peace. via Ball Don't Lie

Ronnie Fieg x Asics Gel Lyte III “Mint Leaf” Preview

We still don’t have any release info, but here’s a new preview photo of the Mint Leaf Asics Gel Lyte III that was designed by Ronnie Fieg. Regarding this photo, here’s what Ronnie had to say, “Needed to get that picture off my chest before I left the country..” That’s all he had to say. via The Shoe Game

Klay Thompson is not necessarily a Monta Ellis replacement

When the Warriors drafted Washington State guard Klay Thompson with the 11th selection in Thursday night's draft, the pick was both praised for value and questioned for fit. Thompson is a well-regarded player, one of the best shooters available, and the kind of guy who could have a long, if not star-like, NBA career. On the other hand, the Warriors don't exactly need more scoring. Thompson is a good player, but he might not make much sense for the Warriors.

Unless, that is, they pull the trigger on any one of the much-rumored trades involving star scoring guard Monta Ellis. Golden State brass have claimed in recent days that they're not trading Ellis, but the many deals reported by various outlets in the past few weeks suggest that's not the case. Nevertheless, general manager Larry Riley repeated these claims in a press conference following the Thompson pick. From Diamond Leung for TrueHoop (via PBT):
If the Golden State Warriors are indeed exploring trade possibilities for Monta Ellis, their backcourt just got more crowded after the selection of Washington State's Klay Thompson with the No. 11 overall draft pick.

But Warriors general manager Larry Riley downplayed reading too much into the team adding Thompson, who was considered one of the top shooters in the draft after leading the Pac-10 in scoring last season.

"We feel Klay is a player who can play the 3 and 2," Riley said. "We're going to have room for a backup 3 and that may be a way for Klay Thompson to get more minutes. This in no way affects our motivation to trade any player."

At a skinny 6-foot-7, Thompson projects as more of a shooting guard than small forward, so it's understandable that most people would look at his suggestion and assume Ellis was on the way out. However, the Warriors need depth in every aspect of the game, to the point where Thompson could play a reserve role at both positions and play around 20 minutes as a rookie. Ellis led the league in minutes per game (40.3) last year and starting forward Dorell Wright finished an unreasonable seventh (38.4), so it's not as if there aren't plenty of reserve minutes to go around. Depth is a huge need for Golden State regardless of position, and Thompson can help in that area.

Thompson may eventually become a starter-quality NBA player, but he's not there yet. Trading Ellis just because of the presence of a late-lottery pick would be an overreaction and only exacerbate the team's depth problem, especially if another young player comes back in the deal.

The Warriors need to get better on defense, but they also need an infusion of depth. If they can trade Ellis and improve both areas, then it's a good deal. It's just that Thompson does little to clarify Ellis' status on this roster. He fills a need, but he's far from a replacement. via Ball Don't Lie

Air Jordan 5 Quai 54 Black/Radiant Green – First Look

You’ve already seen the Air Jordan 5 Quai 54 in White/Radiant Green-Black-Metallic Silver. As you know, the white Air Jordan 5 Quai 54 will hit retailers in limited numbers. However, the black Air Jordan Quai 54 will not be available to the public. This Air Jordan 5 Quai 54 was only given to Friends & Family of Jordan Brand, with only 54 pairs made. DJCK gives us a first look at the black Air Jordan 5 Quai 54. via The Shoe Game

Supra Black and Yellow Pack

The Boston Bruins just won the Stanley Cup last week and so they resurrected that Wiz Khalifa song. Yeah, it was a little weird seeing a short Canadian fellow with a big nose up there singing “Black and Yellow,” but who can blame him? Black and yellow is also the color story in this special pack that SUPRA has put together in a limited run. We’re only wrapping two of our most popular styles in this iconic color combination: Tom Penny’s Bandit model with it’s boot-inspired, mid top design and Terry Kennedy’s signature Stacks model with its classic low profile, skate design. Both pairs in this black and yellow pack come in a luxurious mustard [1] suede, accented by deep black leather highlights. They’re like little taxicabs for your feet—“sole cabs for cutie?”—and they’ll take you anywhere you wanna go. via The Shoe Game

Jimmer Fredette will be a Sacramento King

After a year's worth of hype, a scintillating season that saw him average nearly 29 points per game and confound basketball observers as to whether or not his style of play would translate to the NBA, former BYU guard Jimmer Fredette is finally locked in as an NBA participant. The Sacramento Kings traded down to select Fredette 10th overall, and while he won't be able to sign a contract with the club any time soon due to the likely NBA lockout, all the questions surrounding his draft status have been answered. A lottery pick, and a top 10-selection at that.

Sacramento's choice came soon after the squad dumped former point man Beno Udrih on the Milwaukee Bucks in a three-team deal that also seemed to needlessly land them dwindling scoring wing John Salmons. So while Jimmer might not be able to step in right away and contribute as a starter for the Kings, he will be counted on to balance a deep perimeter rotation for Sacto that includes Salmons, 2009-10 Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans, Marcus Thornton, and Francisco Garcia. With Evans doing most of the ball handling and Thornton chucking whenever he gets the chance, Fredette's shooting and ability to spread the floor will fit in nicely for the Kings, even if playing time is hard to come by even in Udrih's absence.

This is no hyped-up creation, mind you. Fredette has legitimate skills in an area you can never boast too much competence in, that of long range shooting. And though Jimmer did take, make and even rely upon some awfully contested shots in his senior season at BYU, he will have open looks even on a struggling team like the Kings. Even if he will have to work on the speed in which he releases the ball.

And even if the Kings have us scratching our heads following a trade that, and I'm paraphrasing
Mark Deeks of ShamSports.com here, saw them trade John Salmons away for Andres Nocioni three years ago for short-term cap relief, only to turn Nocioni into Samuel Dalembert for short-term cap relief, only to use that even relief (though not all of it) to trade back for a years-older Salmons. It makes no sense, and they moved down in the draft because of it.

None of this will affect Jimmer, and it's nice to see him finally wearing an NBA cap. Though we still have no clue how long it will take to see him wear an NBA uniform, if things continue apace between the league's players, and owners. via Ball Don't Lie

Nike SB Dunk Low UK Passport

Included as part of Nike SB's July releases is the UK Passport Nike SB Dunk Low. The UK Passport Nike SB Dunk Low is part of Nike SB's "Passport Pack", a US Passport colorway is set to drop as well, and features a colorway that is directly inspired by the UK Government issued passport. The UK Passport Dunk SBs feature a Burgundy upper done in textured leather and nubuck with a Metallic Gold Swoosh, a White midsole, and a Burgundy outsole.

The UK Passport Nike SB Dunk Low is starting to pop up now at select Nike SB accounts and is officially part of Nike SB's July releases. via Kix And The City

Air Jordan IX (9) Jason Kidd PE

What seems like ages ago, Jason Kidd received the Air Jordan IX (9) Player Exclusives when he played for the New Jersey Nets. Fast forward to the current month, Jason Kidd now is endorsed by Peak and won his first NBA Championship with the Dallas Mavericks. Similar to the Charcoal Jordan IX, the Jason Kidd Air Jordan 9 PE‘s feature black patent leather around the midsole, black leather uppers and red accents which includes the number 5 at the heel. If you would like to add this pair to your collection, you can grab them now at Shopthebloc. via Sneakerfiles

Fila Cage Returns Spring 2012

Fila cracks open their vault to bestow upon us a forgotten classic The Cage. The Cage originally released in 1993 at the height of Air Mania and the Pump wars. It’s a forgotten classic of a creative and diverse time period in sneakers. The Cage is back with a minor cosmetic change, the cage portion of which it takes its name from is now made of comfortable thick memory foam, instead of its original hard plastic. via DeFY

Expect the Fila Cage to drop Spring 2012. via The Shoe Game

Nike Dunk High Premium – Obsidian/White

There has been quite the buzz surrounding the Nike Dunk in multiple categories as of late like the Nike Dunk Pro SB ‘Slayer’ or the Nike Dunk Hyperfuse. But in light of all these other Nike Dunk releases, nothing beats the classic Nike Dunk High Premium. Available now at online retailers, the Nike Dunk Premium in Obsidian/White. The uppers are woven with soft suede paneling at the heel and suede Nike Swoosh. Accented with white, the laces and midsole top it all off. Grab this fresh pair at online stores, like JD Sports. via Sneakerfiles

Fifty NBA players show solidarity with ‘STAND’ T-shirts

As league's newest players bask in the afterglow of Thursday night's draft selections, it's important to recognize that we have no clear idea when they'll first step on an NBA court. With a lockout looming and no Summer League, they might not even get to start working with coaches and staff until the fall. The NBA's top story from now until its resolution is the labor battle between the players' union and the owners.

As such, players are showing a measure of unity across team lines. In fact, 50 players in attendance at Friday morning labor talks showed their solidarity with a basic decision to wear the same clothing. From Chris Sheridan of ESPN.com:

About 50 NBA players arrived at collective bargaining talks Friday morning wearing matching T-shirts with the word "STAND" written in large block letters, perhaps sending a signal that the union is taking a harder stance after its $500 million giveback was dismissed by commissioner David Stern as "modest." [...]

Only the players' bargaining committee was expected at Friday's negotiations across the street from league headquarters, but dozens of men in matching dark gray shirts, many of them very tall, exited single-file from a bus and strode past wide-eyed tourists as they entered the meeting site.

"I was informed late last night that they had met among themselves and decided that they were all going to show up at the session," union director Billy Hunter said. "The message is just solidarity. We have to stand together, be unified and address whatever the circumstance is -- and address it together."

Increased attendance and T-shirts are ultimately cosmetic decisions unlikely to have direct substantive effect on labor talks, but that doesn't mean they should be dismissed. David Stern and the NBA owners have put some ridiculous proposals on the table that should prove to the union that it's in for a long fight to work out a reasonable proposal. It'll be a tough process, and in order to be successful it'll need to prove to the league that it won't buckle and accept an inferior offer. The shirts don't prove that by themselves, but they don't hurt, either.

Plus, maybe moves like this will help sway public opinion to its side. NBA players sometimes get a bad rap for being selfish, but in this case they are doing something for the greater good (although a very specific kind of greater good that affects their particular interest group). It's nice to see NBA athletes standing up for greater principles and not just the league's profits. via Ball Don't Lie

Air Jordan 5 Quai 54 – New Images

The Jordan Brand Quai 54 streetball tournament goes down on June 26 & 27 in Paris. Jordan Brand released two Quai 54 sneakers to coincide with the Quai 54 tournament. The Quai 54 Air Jordan 5 and Jordan ISO II is now available at select retailers in Europe, and the U.S. release date is July 2. via The Shoe Game

Air Jordan Retro XIII (13) 3 Point King Ray Allen PE Official Release Info

The 3 Point King Air Jordan Retro XIII Ray Allen PE is officially set to release on July 16th exclusively at the House of Hoops Boston and Solefly in Miami. Retail will be $160. In addition to the sneakers, Jordan Brand is also set to release a commemorative Ray Allen t-shirt on the same day. via Kix And The City

Picture Of The Day: 06.24.11

July 2nd 2011!!

The 20 Craziest Fake Kicks on the Internet – by Complex

One of things that hurts the footwear industry and the lifestyle aspect of the sneaker world is fake kicks. Fake kicks are everywhere. They are online, they are at some small local shops and some are on people’s feet. Luckily for some of us, we can tell what’s fake and what is not. And fortunately, we’re able to stay away from them. On the other side of the spectrum, we have the buyers, be it online or local, that cannot tell and buy them without even knowing.

But there are some fake kicks out there that are SO bizarre, it’s unbelievable. The craziest sneakers are ‘released’ online at various outlets that come in a wide variety of wacky colors, weird hybrid fusions, or generally just poor attempts at replicating a shoe from Air Jordans to Nikes. Complex Magazine compiled a list of sneakers that were seen online for sale that are so outrageous that I personally don’t think anyone would fall for or purchase like “Grinch” Hyperfuses, Air Jordan 2011 360s and more. For more images and info, check out Complex’s list of The 20 Craziest Fake Kicks on the Internet. via Sneakerfiles

Air Jordan XIII (13) Retro Ray Allen PE

This is quite possibly going to be one of the most hyped up releases this year… not including the ‘Concord’ Air Jordan XI, even though these may be able to give the Concords a run for their money. Availability will be pretty limited and you can expect these to hit the same HOH locations that received the YOTR AJ7. via Sneakerfiles

Nike Air Max Diamond Turf Red Black White First Look

Before we get to the Diamond Turf 2 Retro in 2012, Nike is bringing back the original Diamond Turf in Retro+ colorways for the Summer. Kicking off their new colorways of the DT, Nike recently released the Red/White/Black Air Diamond Turf. The Red/Black/White DT features the same colors as the OG DT with completely different color placement for a new twist on the original. The upper features a mix of White leather, Black nubuck, Red leather and Red nubuck.

The Red/Black/White Nike Air Diamond Turf is available now at select Nike accounts. via Kix And The City

Nike Air Force 1 High Hyperfuse – Midnight Fog – New Images

When we previewed the Nike Air Force 1 Hyperfuse, we showed you samples of what is set to release in the coming months in a line up of different colorways. Today, we preview one of the colorways in detailed pictures in the Midnight Fog colorway. The upper of this Air Force 1 model is made entirely out of the Hyperfuse on top of a solid rubber outsole. The shoe is completed with the high strap and solid Midnight Fog blocking for the entire sneaker. via Sneakerfiles

Air Jordan I (1) Phat – ‘White Carbon Fiber’ – First Look

We previewed the Air Jordan I (1) Phat in the traditional black carbon fiber earlier today. Coming soon to select shelves to accompany this release is the Air Jordan 1 Phat in white carbon fiber. The uppers of this model comes in all white. The color blocking and material arrangement are the same as it’s black counterpart, other than the colorway. These are available soon at US retailers for $100. via Sneakerfiles

New Balance Sonic 574 – July 2011

New Balance introduces two new colorways; Red and Blue, for the Sonic 574, just in time for the Fourth of July.

Used for technical clothing, tents and industrial fabrics, sonic welding is an environmentally friendly alternate to sewing or gluing. The process of heat and pressure application to the seams of pattern pieces fuses the shoe together cutting out waste and crafting the sonic welded shoe to be airtight and watertight. via The Shoe Game

Jimmer Fredette, definitely (not) the next Adam Morrison

There is nothing in our sport that is more annoying than simple and stupefying comparisons of one white player to another white player from the past. Nothing. It's lazy, it's demeaning to the players on both sides of that poorly drawn line, and if you're a writer and/or analyst, it's insulting to the people who are there to glean your insight.

But with Jimmer Fredette and Adam Morrison? I kind of get it.

Don't let me lose you. These two, down to hairstyles or lifestyles, appear far, far apart. To say nothing of the fact that Morrison is a legit 6-8 and a half, with broad (when they aren't slumping) shoulders to match, and Jimmer's frame resembles Jimmer's name: "Hey, Jimmer!"

In my limited perusals of both, though? One thing seemed a constant. They both seemed quite adept at nailing tough, contested shots on the NCAA level. Shots with a hand in their face or a hand reaching up to nearly block the ball. And that would be a warming note, if it didn't seem as if most of their attempts went this way. It's one thing to have the occasional tough make. It's another thing to rely on it. That's what I took from Adam Morrison.

It's not what I'm taking from Fredette, who I believe can be a very serviceable player in this league if he continues this rate of growth. With that in place, though, I can get why some Charlotte Bobcat fans, to say nothing of the front office that drafted Morrison into Charlotte in 2006, are gun-shy about taking Fredette with the team's 19th pick (or even their ninth selection, I suppose, because apparently I underrate the guy) in Thursday's draft. The Charlotte Observer's Scott Fowler takes it from there:

Morrison has since washed out of the NBA entirely - his confidence shot, his defensive liabilities exposed. I can't imagine that Jordan, now the Bobcats owner, would want to take a player in Fredette who seems to have a similar skill set but is six inches shorter.

I don't think Fredette will turn into Morrison, since he's more grounded and a far better ballhandler. But he's not going to be a great NBA player, either. To compare him to a couple of other recent big-time college scorers, I think Fredette's NBA career will end up more like J.J. Redick(notes) than Stephen Curry(notes).

(Geez, another white guy. One that, at Duke, got to the line and drove to the hoop so, so many more times than Fredette did. Will this ever end? Can't we just come up with other names, even if the white ones are accurate?)

I understand Jordan's trepidation, Fowler's trepidation, and that fan base's worry. But if you can get a shooter at 19? In a terrible draft? And your team is terrible at shooting? What's the wait? Because you don't want to answer lame questions for a few months?

Perhaps I'm overrating him, now. I never claimed to even be competent when it comes to NCAA scouting, but it also appears as if this guy can contribute to a rotation. And if he's in the Green Room at 19, what's the point? Sacrifice spacing in the second quarter in order to prevent a few tired storylines?

Jimmer should just show up with a mustache on Thursday. Seal it for all of us. via Ball Don't Lie

Air Jordan 1 Phat – Black Carbon Fiber

Faux carbon fiber looks to be an ongoing theme for Jordan Brand’s Fall 2011 season; in July, you can expect a white carbon fiber Air Jordan 1 Phat, and in the coming months, a Black/Grey Jordan Six Rings fashioned in the material should release as well. Here’s a look at what to expect for August – another Air Jordan 1 Phat in a tonal black colorway, featuring the high-tech looking material on the upper. Like the Jordan Courtside we showed you earlier, this upcoming Air Jordan 1 release utilizes the famous ‘Black Cat’ motif, allowing zero elbow room for a secondary color to shine through. via Sneaker News

Air Jordan V – Black – Metallic Silver | August 2011

Pictured above is one of those legendary models that needs absolutely no introduction, an all-time classic that still commands double takes two decades after its initial release. The Air Jordan V Retro in black with Metallic Silver trim is just like recent IIIs and IVs in its execution, a faithful reproduction of the 1990 original save the absent heel Swoosh that’s been replaced by a Jumpman. These will likely be among the most popular back-to-school releases with their proximity to the upcoming year, yet another feather in the cap of a silhouette that’s been immortalized by countless celebrity appearances. via in52 & Sneaker News

Pau Gasol, Kevin Love Trade Rumor; Will Lakers and Wolves Make a Deal?

According to Eric Pincus there is reportedly serious consideration in Los Angeles and Minnesota for a trade that would involve Pau Gasol and Kevin Love.

Rumor has it the Lakers and Timberwolves could possibly swap power forwards with a few other pieces added to the mix. The trade would most likely be beneficial to both teams, as both Los Angeles and Minnesota would benefit from the trade.

After a dismal post-season, Gasol is facing plenty of scrutiny in Los Angeles. The news that Ricky Rubio is now joining Minnesota is also important, as the Timberwolves reportedly like the relationship between Gasol and the young point guard. The two played together for the Spanish national team that won a silver medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

For Los Angeles, bringing in some young blood might be exactly what the team needs. New coach Mike Brown has stated that defense and energy will be his mantra, and Kevin Love brings a little of both to the table. Love also provides Los Angeles with rebounding, an area where they could use a little bit more help.

Love is also a local favorite, as he spent his college days, albeit only one season, at UCLA. He led UCLA to a Final Four appearance during his season with the Bruins.

The Lakers are also reportedly interested in Minnesota's top draft pick. Recently Los Angeles GM Mitch Kupchak stated the team's desire to get one of the top five picks in next week's draft, claiming that there were good players at the top of the list. The Timberwolves have the second overall pick in the draft, as well as the 20th pick. Either pick might have to be included to get the Lakers to sign off on a trade.

Another hurdle will be the contract issues for both players. Los Angeles is way over the cap, and with a new collective bargaining agreement looming there's no telling what the salary cap situation will look like moving into the future. Love is still on his rookie contract, meaning he is getting paid significantly less than Gasol. Minnesota could make it work financially, but it would certainly limit them in the future.

Gasol is not the only Lakers big man currently getting tossed about in the rumor mill. Center Andrew Bynum has been mentioned numerous times in regards to Magic center Dwight Howard, who has all but asked for a trade in Orlando.

Until anything becomes official this all remains speculation, but it's something to consider. The Lakers have made it to the NBA Finals three out of four years since adding Gasol back in February of 2008. Trading him might be a costly move for Los Angeles. But bringing in a young up and coming star like Kevin Love might be worth it for Los Angeles. via Lakers Nation

Air Jordan 8.0 Winter 2012

Following up on the new and improved Air Jordan II that is the Air Jordan 2.0, Jordan Brand is set to bring the same thought process to the Air Jordan VIII with the Winter 2012 release of the Air Jordan 8.0. Unlike the Air Jordan 2.0 which adds a little bulk through the addition of the 360 Air Max unit, the Air Jordan 8.0 looks to trim the heft that the Air Jordan VIII is known for. This is most visible in the pics in this post through the Huarache like ankle cut out. As of now two colorways of the Air Jordan 8.0 are planned including an Aqua inspired colorway in January and a White/Red/Grey colorway in March. I will have more on the Air Jordan 8.0 as the story develops so stay tuned. via Kix And The City

adidas Originals by Originals Jeremy Scott JS Wings ‘Camouflage’

The Originals Jeremy Scott JS Wings will be returning for the Originals Jeremy Scott Fall/Winter 2011 collection in a few styles. We take another look at the JS Wings in an allover camouflage upper and premium leather inner sock liner in orange. The shoe isn’t the JS Wings without the iconic ‘wings’ that span over the lacing system. Expect these to drop this fall, along with more from this years’ collection. via Sneakerfiles

Jordan CMFT Viz Air 13 – August 2011

New colorways of the Jordan CMFT Viz Air 13 will be releasing in August. Here’s a preview of both Jordan CMFT Viz Air 13 colors. The official colors are: Black/White-Varsity Royal and Black/Metallic Silver-Stealth-Anthracite. Look for both colors to hit retailers in August 2011. Retail is $115. via The Shoe Game

Why DeShawn Stevenson has Lincoln tattooed on his neck

Well, of course DeShawn Stevenson got an Abraham Lincoln tattoo on his neck because the 16th President of the United States issued the Emancipation Proclamation, even during a time when the States weren't technically united. We knew that, but it's nice for DeShawn to clarify it.

There has been some quibble as to why Stevenson put the tattoo of Lincoln, surrounded by two number 5s (Lincoln, for our international readers, is featured the American five-dollar bill) on his neck two years ago. But DeShawn, in an interview with 105.3 The Fan in Dallas (as presented to us by Sports Radio Interviews), has finally clarified the thing that was pretty obvious from the outset:

"I was going to get Martin Luther King and I told Gilbert Arenas. You should never tell nobody your idea. That summer, he came back and got it. So I didn't know who to get. I got Abraham Lincoln because he freed the slaves. I just had Abraham Lincoln and, from a distance, everybody kept saying, 'Who is that?' So I put the five-dollar bill so everybody would stop asking me."

Obviously Abraham Lincoln isn't just another in a series of 44 Presidents, having to deal with a task tougher than no other American President (we hope) will have to work through. And to African-Americans, Lincoln's work for his country has an added significance. It was a cool and unique gesture for Stevenson to make.

But just so we're sure, there's nothing really left to ask DeShawn Stevenson about, right? via Ball Don't Lie

DMX Plans To Put Out New Music & Reality Show When He Is Released From Prison Next Month

Troubled rapper DMX plans to get things going in the right direction when he is released from prison next month.

His release date from Arizona State Prison where he has been locked up the last six months, was pushed back one week from July 6 to July 13. But that is a minor setback for Dark Man X who promises "things will be different this time" when he is set free.

The 40-year old plans on putting out new music this summer and a reality show with fiance Yadira Borrego titled “X-tended Family.”

Borrega released a statement saying: "He is an amazing father and man. The media has never shown who he really is." via This Is 50

Air Jordan III ‘Chaos’ Customs

The ever-growing ‘Customs’ category on Sneaker News just got a bit heavier, thanks to this latest work by customizer Dank Customs. His recent works include the Air Max 90 ‘Stash’ and the Air Max Light ‘Homegrown’ (both of which were jaw-dropping in their own right), but this latest work combines two more recent topics – the Air Jordan III and the Nike Zoom Kobe VI ‘Chaos’. The structure of the Air Jordan III remains, but the upper is painted in the chaotic Kobe VI colorway of Dark Purple, Neon Green, Bright Red, and Grey, adding speckling on the midsoles and a stripe of green on the bottom half of the midsole. Dank also created a custom box for this Jordan x Kobe project, combining the Jumpman logo with Kobe’s Shozoku emblem. via Sneaker News

Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Tweed’ – Unreleased Sample

In 2004, Nike SB unleashed a high-top and low-top version of the Nike SB Dunk in a ‘Tweed’ motif, which featured a brown/tan suede colorway with a tweed wool material on the toe and heel of the shoe. It’s quite different from this sample version of the Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Tweed’, which features more of a flannel plaid pattern and the use or red and navy blue. The ‘Tweed’ wool panels were obviously switched to the brown/tan version that released, so which of the two do you like better? Check out the auction from slipsarecool on eBay. via Sneaker News

Malice of The Clipse Hosts Reading, Q&A Session For Debut Novel

(AllHipHop News) Critically acclaimed Virginia Beach, Virginia rapper Malice of The Clipse will speak to at risk youth during the Listen2TheLyrics kick-off listening session today (June 15th) at 2:00 PM.

The day long event is taking place at the Hampton Teen Center and will feature Malice reading excerpts from his debut novel "Wretched, Pitiful, Poor, Blind & Naked."

Malice will also host a book signing and Q&A session with the teens during the event, which will be streamed online live via Livestream.com.

Listen2TheLyrics is a national campaign aimed at developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills amongst teens.

The campaign is attempting to bring awareness to the harmful effects of "un-effective" listening to music, particularly, Hip-Hop music.

For more information visit www.listen2thelyrics.org or visit http://www.livestream.com/L2TL/share via All Hip Hop

Justin Timberlake Refuses to Record with Jay-Z

Seems as If Timberlake and Jay-z may never lay down a track together; Justin doesn't appear to be interested.

According to hiphopdx.com, Justin Timberlake revealed the news in an interview with Vanity Fair when he was asked about the rap star turned business man. According to the singer, the time for a collaboration between the two artists has long gone.

"Jay-Z has put out 11 albums, and I was talking about doing collaboration with him, and he said, 'I can't do it right now, but I'll get you on the next album.' I was like, 'No, man, I don't work like that,” Timberlake explained to the magazine. “This sounded good to me for you and me to do together, and if it doesn't work, then I totally get it, but I won't be putting an album out next year; these aren't a dime a dozen to me.'"

Timberlake initially reached out to Jay-Z when he was recording his FutureSex/LoveSounds album, but was told by Jay-Z that he was too busy and that he would be willing to do a collab on his next album.

As part of his solo career Timberlake has worked with a number of Hip Hop producers/artists including Timbaland, T.I., 50 Cent, Three 6 Mafia, and Pharrell Williams. via This Is 50

LeBron James’ movie is getting delayed again

If a basketball player wants to be a global icon, he better have an idea for a movie. Michael Jordan did "Space Jam," Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did "Airplane!" and John Salley did "Eddie." Without them, none of those players would enjoy the same kind of widespread fame they have today.

LeBron James(notes) would like to enter that group, so he's had a film called "Ballers" in development for several years now. The basic premise is that five bros attend a basketball fantasy camp and bring LeBron into all of their life issues. That's one decision even LeBron doesn't want to be a part of!

Unfortunately for moviegoers, the project has already been delayed a year. And it looks like it'll be delayed even more. From Jeff Sneider for Variety (via EOB):

The Miami Heat forward has been attached to star in Universal/Imagine's sports comedy "Ballers" since September 2009, and after an initial yearlong delay to accommodate his summer 2010 free agency, production was pushed to next month. However, in the wake of Miami's NBA Finals loss to the Dallas Mavericks, exec producer Michael Rosenberg told Variety that because the script is still being developed, "we are not shooting this summer." [...]

[Brian] Grazer previously told Variety that James impressed him in commercials and his 2007 hosting turn on "Saturday Night Live," and producers had been looking to surround James with an A-list comedic cast to ensure his feature debut would be successful. In April 2010, Universal announced that "Ballers" would hit theaters on Nov. 4, 2011, meaning it would go into production that summer.

That report means that "Ballers" will be delayed by at least two years, which seems like a lot but in Hollywood terms is fairly normal. (For comparison, the forthcoming "Moneyball" movie has gone through three directors and even more rewrites over many years of development.) The producers just want to make sure "Ballers" comes out at a time when the public is ready for it, and that won't be the case until LeBron is a more popular public figure.

Still, that moment may not come for several years, or maybe never if the Heat can't win a championship. In that event, Universal may be forced to cancel the project, or at least reimagine it in some other genre.

With that in mind, let me suggest the following: Five guys go to a basketball fantasy camp. Everything starts out fine, but after several hours they find that their counselors, all of whom have won NBA championships, are disappearing one by one. It turns out that a crazed ex-athlete (played by LeBron himself!) has escaped a mental institution and is killing everyone to find an elusive championship ring. Our heroes must band together and learn valuable life sessons as they defeat the evil killer known to his victims as "the Chosen One."

What do you say, Brian Grazer? I've had several meetings with Breckin Meyer. He's available. via Ball Don't Lie

Antoine Wright doesn’t have an NBA gig because of his mom

Count former NBA washout Antoine Wright among those who are getting it all wrong. And while plays on words are just about the worst thing ever, they pale in comparison to losing a job on an NBA team, in this case the Sacramento Kings, because you just yelled at one of your coaches because the coach (a former starter on a two-time NBA championship team) didn't want to pose for pictures with your mother.

Does that last reference seem a little specific? Well, that's because this is exactly what happened last season in Sacramento to Antoine Wright, former 2005 first-round pick and current hopeful of the Chinese Basketball Association's Jiangsu Nangang Dragons.

SI.com's Sam Amick has the fascinating story down pat:

"I had an issue with one of the coaches and my mother," said Wright, who was with the then-Mavericks assistant Elie and Kings coach Paul Westphal in Dallas from 2008-09 as a key reserve. "Mario Elie. I'll say his name because I had a history with him. We had just lost a game. It was over the holiday, Thanksgiving holiday, and my mother was in town and in the [team] family room [at Power Balance Pavilion in Sacramento]. She came up to Mario Elie, and said, 'I'm Antoine Wright's mom. Can I have a picture with you?' My mom is a fan of the game, a big fan of Mario Elie, and he said, 'No, I'm with my family.'

"We're a team now, so I came into practice [the next day] and told everybody, I said, 'When we go into film, I'm just going to put Mario on blast.' So I walk in last, and I come in through the front and Mario is in the back, and I said, 'Man, you know what? That's foul what you did to my mom. All she wanted was a picture. Everybody in this room would have took a picture with your mom if she asked, or anybody else's mom in this room. That's probably why we don't have any team chemistry.'

"The next day [Kings officials] came in and were like, 'Uh, this is not really working for you. It's not working for us. No hard feelings. We wish you the best.' I said, 'Thanks for the opportunity, and I'm gone.' "

Please do read the rest of the feature, because it goes far deeper than this.

Wright's issues go beyond this, obviously. He was an athletic wing who was barely and ineffectively trying to develop his iffy jumper and ball-handling skills, pretty much the NBA's most ubiquitous also-ran position. He wasn't that good to start, nor finish, and yet he still wants to pin his demise on Mario Elie not wanting to take a picture with his mother. Not realizing that this was Sacramento's perfect excuse for letting him go.

And now that he's burned that bridge, on the Mario Elie Memorial Highway, don't expect to see Antoine back in the NBA anytime soon. Pity, because he really could have sopped up a roster spot without making any significant contribution. via Ball Don't Lie

Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Entourage’

The hit TV show Entourage is set for a final season, and if you’ve been a fan of the show, you know that Nikes and sneakers have been notable subplots throughout the series. From Turtle getting his own pair of Fukijamas and getting ridiculed by his mother for wearing Air Force 1s to a movie premier, to Vince giving an autographed ‘Head On’ movie poster to a rep of the Swoosh, kicks and Entourage have always been at arms length. To celebrate the final season of Entourage, Doug Ellin, creator of the series, teamed up with Hot Rod to create a Friends and Family pair of the NIke SB Dunk Low that features the Entourage show logo on the tongue as well as additional graphics on the insoles. Even without the Entourage insignia, the shoe itself is one of the best Nike SB Dunk Lows we’ve seen in quite a long time; it features a tonal black-on-black elephant print blocked identically to the Supreme x Nike SB Dunk Low, with black suede on the toe-box, center panel, and ankle. Sources have mentioned a Quickstrike releases of the Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Entourage’ later this year, so stay tuned to Sneaker News for more information as it develops. via N-SB & Sneaker News

Nike Sky Force Mid ’88 ‘Knicks’ – Available For Pre-Order

They’re killing it with hybrids and performance and comfort upgraded classics, but perhaps Nike Sportswear’s single greatest strength is the sheer breadth of their vaults. Swoosh catalogs from the last five decades include some of the all-time greats; some we’ve seen (a lot), and some have been all but forgotten with time. The Nike Sky Force 88 Mid is a standout from the second class, a hidden gem in history’s mines that couldn’t more perfectly represent late ’80s basketball aesthetics than if they came with instructions for a hightop fade and a pair of the last non-Stockton short-shorts. Click on through to get a look at this Big Apple-flavored Sky Force 88 and pre-order yours today so CrookedTongues can send them as soon as they hit retail in July. via Sneaker News

1World x Nike Air Force 1 Supreme ‘K-Dice Dragon’ on eBay

Ever wanted to own your own pet dragon? Well, we can’t help you with that over here at Sneaker News, but we can bring you the next best thing-this ebay auction featuring the 1World x Nike Air Force 1 Supreme ‘K-Dice Dragon’ which are probably about as hard to come by as an actual dragon. This Air Force 1 was a collaboration with Boston Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka, aka Dice-K, for the Nike 1World project back in 2008 and only about 100 pairs were produced worldwide. The inspiration for these premium Air Force 1′s is evident in their design, with white pony hair covering the toe box and midsection, some crazy orange scaling wrapping around the back and the lacing system, and the white swoosh in a reptilian looking skin . Also check out the dragon logos that form the shape of an 18, Dice-K’s number on the Red Sox, discreetly placed on the heel and insole. Check out the auction from konkretejungle on eBay. via Sneaker News