Nike Basketball "NOLA Gumbo League" Collection

Celebrating the unique culture of New Orleans - the venue of this year's NBA All Star Game, Nike Basketball is releasing a unique collection featuring the LeBron 11, KD6, and Kobe 9 Elite.

Personally, I'm really curious to see each shoe up close. The glow in the dark materials will certainly turn heads, but what's amazing for me is that the rich and unique designs of each shoe are what I'd say a fitting tribute to the vibrant culture of The Big Easy.

LeBron 11 "Gator King"

It can be argued that there isn't any better symbol of power and protection in New Orleans than the alligator. So it was only fitting for LeBron James' latest shoe to take influence from it. The "Gator King" is a fearless expression of both royalty and power. Hand-drawn patterns make up the Hyperposite areas of the shoes once it glows in the dark. Add that with majestic hues of deep purple, greens, and gold and you've got a shoe truly fit for a king.

Kobe 9 Elite "Maestro" 

Kobe Bryant may be meticulous when it comes to preparation, but he's also an expert when it comes to just going with the flow of the game. Deciphering its nuances, and coming up with moments of brilliance from sheer improvisation. Much like the great jazz musicians who came from the birthplace of the genre. Featuring brass accents in the upper, what really sets off the Kobe 9 Elite is the glow-in-the-dark outsole that comes to life at night, just when jazz clubs start to get into the swing of things. It's a shame we won't be seeing these on the feet of the Black Mamba come All Star Weekend though. 

KD6 "Illusion"

Inspired by the magic of New Orleans, fluid hand-drawn patterns on the shoe's upper pay tribute to the mesmerizing game of Kevin Durant. Big Chucky defies all perceptions of a near seven-footer, an illusion that leaves opposing teams scrambling to deal with his limitless range and on-court versatility. And finishing off the shoe is a special glow-in-the-dark outsole.

See that glow. 

The Nike Basketball "NOLA Gumbo League" Collection will make its way to retailers come February 14, so a lot of sneakerheads better start thinking about those Valentine's Day plans.

Think you can do something better than any or all shoes in the collection? Well now you can try! " Gumbo League" options are available on Nike ID for a limited time only!

Locally, there's no definite release date or set of mechanics as of yet, but I'll make sure to update once I get wind of anything so check back when you can!

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UPDATE 2/14/14

Save for a bit of a delay with the Kobe 9 "Maestro" release, 2 shoes that are part of the Nike "NOLA Gumbo League" Collection is dropping today (2/14/14) at Titan Shops+Webstore!

Prices are as follows:

Nike KD VI "Illusion" - P6995

Nike Lebron 11 "Gator King" - P9495

Nike Kobe 9 Elite "Maestro" - P9995 Coming Soon.