Earlier today, Kobe Bryant and his fellow Los Angeles Lakers came to Quicken Loans Arena to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers. Though Kobe Bryant was reported to be ill and needed intravenous fluids at halftime, his Lakers pulled through with a 101-91 victory with notable performances from Odom and Gasol. Though the game was exciting, the true excitement was brought while sneakerheads compared the two supertars’ sneaker choices. Lebron James showed up with a new Fairfax Nike Zoom Lebron VI (6), while Kobe started the game with the Carpe Diem Nike Zoom Kobe IV (4) and switched to the Venom KBIV at the quarter break. Even though Bryant’s sneaker switch is quite an interesting topic, most sneakerheads stared in awe at what James was rocking. This is our first look at the Fairfax colorway of the Zoom Lebron VI and it looks quite promising.

Now the choice is yours. Who do you think won the sneaker matchup—Kobe Bryant or Lebron James? Check out detailed pictures of both pairs after the ‘jump!’ Pictures via Yahoo.

After finishing his stint with the Nike Hyperdunk, Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers has moved onto rocking his newest sneaker, the Nike Zoom Kobe IV (4), on the courts. The Black / White / Del Sol colorway that Kobe rocked tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies is now available on Eastbay for a retail price of $120. Kobe put his own personal touch on the sneaker by replacing the white original laces with a gold pair which nicely matches with the gold accents on his jersey. Featuring a black base with white and gold accents, this sneaker sports a simple, yet stylish colorway. You can get one step closer to playing like Kobe by rocking the same sneakers he does. All you have to do is head over to Eastbay and scoop up your pair today. Pictures via Yahoo Sports.

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We present to you a first look at some of the newest Air Jordan models set to hit retailers near you in the upcoming months. Though it is only one picture, it gives us a little heads up of what is in store to come from Jordan Brand. In this preview, you can see two pairs of the Air Jordan I (1) Low including the Air Jordan I (1) Low – Curry Elephant Print featured a few days ago. We are also seeing evidence that 2009 will bring more colorways of the Air Jordan Phly including the all grey colorway seen above. Other key releases shown above include the Air Jordan Force Fusion IV (4) (rear left) and a Team Jordan Model (rear right) which utilizes the Air Jordan III (3) midsole. Via NT.

Five months have passed since the USA “Redeem Team” took home the gold medal in the Summer Olympics in Bejing, but we are now getting a first look at an Air Jordan IV made exclusively for Carmelo Anthony in celebration of the win. This AJ4 is extremely unique to say the least and would most definitely sell like hotcakes if it was ever released.  Featuring delicate laser print on top of a navy blue leather base, this pair sports an elegant, yet stylish feel. Also yielding red wing tips, a white midsole, a red outsole, and white netting, these sneakers are obviously inspired by the typical USA colors of red, white, and blue. Sorry to break your dreams, but these will most likely never be released and these pictures are as close as you will ever get to holding them. Via NT.

Jordan Brand began releasing fusions in 2008 and it is becoming quite obvious that they will continue their newest trend throughout this new year. The latest product of this “love it or hate it” Force Fusion line is the Air Jordan Force Fusion IV which merges characteristics of the Air Jordan 4 with the classic body and midsole of the Air Force 1. This pair is inspired by the AJ4 and any fan of the Jordan numbered line will quickly realize the resemblance. Featuring wings, netting, a shoe lace region, and a back heel tab reminiscent of the Air Jordan IV, this pair will will hit home with the AF1 fans through the use of the classic toebox and midsole which includes Nike’s patented clear air bubble. Another key aspect of this sneaker which we have not seen before is the placement of a Nike Swoosh behind the netting on the upper.

After the jump, you can check out larger pictures of three colorways of the Air Jordan Force Fusion IV which are all derived from popular Air Jordan IV colorways. The first of these colorways comes from the Fire Red Air Jordan IV and features a white upper with red and black accents. The second is inspired by the Military AJ4 and yields a white upper with blue accents and a cream midsole. The third and final colorway takes inspiration from the “Bred” Air Jordan 4 and comes with a black base accented by a partially red outsole and a grey midsole. Please remember that none of these colorways are confirmed by Jordan Brand, but the odds of these releasing in the upcoming months are high. From what we hear, these will be begin releasing in early July of 2009, but be sure to stay tuned for updates. Via NT.

This morning, Nike unveiled their newest and lightest basketball sneaker up to date, the Zoom Kobe IV. Weighing in at only 11.6 ounces, the Zoom Kobe 4 will be even lighter than the Nike Hyperdunk—a feat thought to be impossible when the Nike Hyperdunk was released months ago. Featuring a red base with white accents, this colorway of the Zoom Kobe 4 is meant to go along with the jerseys of the west coast NBA All-Stars playing in February of 2009. Small gold accents can also be seen on this sneaker in the form of Kobe’s signature on the heel and his patented logo on the tongue. Another key aspect of the Zoom Kobe 4 (IV) is the fact that it will come equipped with Nike’s flywire technology which gives players the support and flexibility needed to play at the best of their abilities. There is no word yet on a release date or if these will even be made available to the public, but remember to stay tuned for updates. Via Marqueesole.