LeBron James is out of the playoffs — and Adidas didn’t wait long to twist the knife.
Just hours after the Minnesota Timberwolves ended the Lakers’ postseason dreams in Game 5, Adidas unleashed a cold-blooded post that sent NBA fans into a frenzy. The caption? “The King Slayer.”
A clear shot at LeBron “King” James, the timing couldn’t have been more brutal.
Addidas’ message was clear: “A new face of basketball is here — and he’s wearing stripes, not a swoosh.”
Edwards Rises, LeBron Falls
In the viral image, Edwards — Adidas’ newest star — hits a three and flashes his Spider-Man gesture, debuting the AE 1 Low “Metallic Grey” in a moment that symbolized a shift in power.
“We beat the best player in the world… the best player ever,” Edwards said postgame.
Adidas wasn’t just celebrating a win — it was mocking Nike’s most prized ambassador, whose reported $1 billion lifetime deal now faces fresh competition.
Is LeBron Losing His Grip?
The marketing insult hits deeper given LeBron’s uncertain future.
At 40, with the Lakers crashing out early again, questions swirl about whether this was his final playoff run. And while his legacy is secure, his grip on sneaker supremacy is more fragile than ever.
Michael Jordan’s Jumpman brand still dominates. But now, Edwards is positioning himself as the next marketing juggernaut — not just a star, but a symbol.
Whether LeBron returns or retires, one thing’s for sure: Adidas just landed a heavy blow — and it came with three stripes and no mercy.
LeBron’s Message: “Make That Next Step Now”
Despite the brutal branding blow from Adidas, LeBron James didn’t walk off the court bitter.
In a now-viral exchange after the game, LeBron sought out Anthony Edwards and offered a powerful message:
LeBron: “Make that next step now.”
Ant: “You already know it.”
LeBron: “Come on.”
Ant: “I got you.”
It wasn’t just a handshake. It felt like a torch being passed.
Edwards — who had already called his shot before the series (“Trying to take him out of the playoffs… I think we’re going to have fun”) — delivered, helping Minnesota win 4–1. His 15-point, 11-rebound, 8-assist performance in Game 5 wasn’t flashy — it was mature.
Just like the message he gave the man he just dethroned.
