It was bound to happen ever since Nike threw $90 million at LeBron some six years ago (going on seven). At the time, Bron was being labeled “The Chosen One” by Sports Illustrated and rocking the #23 in green and gold to suggest that he was, in fact, the heir apparent.

Over the years, we’ve seen Bron transform into the physical behemoth that may one day overtake MJ’s playing legacy. For sneakerheads, though (like myself), it’s been highly questionable whether or not he-or anyone for that matter-could overtake MJ’s kick game. Penny failed. So did Kobe. And Iverson had a spark when he started, but Reebok’s just plain ol’ garbage.

Back to 2003 when MJ hung it up for the last time, his last on-court signatures, the XVIIIs, were simple yet luxurious and of course, technologically forward-thinking-everything associated with Jordan Brand. Since, the designs have been rather head-scratching, from the woven cover guard of the 19s and the clunky space-boot look of the 20s-Who knew space boots would catch on, word to Kanye? -to the straight up half-assed 24s AJ 2009s.

Recently, pics of the AJ 2010s (25s) have surfaced. They have a window/eye smack dab in the middle of the shoe to represent MJ’s ability to “see through the competition.” The shit just looks like a goddamn hole, patched up with mesh. It’s the bottomed-out low point of the declining franchise (a charge once leveled at the 15s).

As for the LeBrons, they’ve evolved from the outlet-ready Air Zoom Generations to the Flightposite-esque 4s to the underwhelming 5s and 6s. But now we’ve reached numero seven. Out for some time, a looming all black colorway (probably cosigned by Jigga) is the zenith of the line thus far. After misguided, space-shoe abortions like the Huarache 2k4s, the LeBron 7s represent some of Nike Basketball’s best design work since (surprise) 2003, when ballers were blessed with the Zoom Ultraflights and Zoom Flight 2k3s (just wear tube socks).

Compared to those lightweight triumphs, the 7s are on the opposite side of the spectrum in terms of build (veering towards the Nike Total Foamposite Max in terms of proportions). Yet one look at the shoe and it’s clear that this is Nike’s signature shoe, perhaps across all lines. The feeling is similar to the one you had when you first saw the XIs, XIIIs, or even XVIIs-that this was the work of the best designers in the world. And if there was any confusion, it’s now evident that LeBron, not Kobe or MJ, is the face of the brand, Nike’s signature athlete.

Can’t say it didn’t take a while, though. By shoe number seven, there had been the iconic Air Jordan Is, IIIs, IVs, and VIs. The hit rate for the LeBron line hasn’t been quite the same but it’s finally his time. Maybe things will transpire on the court similarly.

Almost a week ago The Dream and Christina Milian secretly married in a small ceremony in Vegas, but he was too blinded by love to sign a prenup. Which is the ultimate mistake when you’re worth tens of millions and your wife is struggling with her career.

Let’s hope this marriage lasts or else he’ll be saying “it was cheaper to keep her” like the rest of these ex-husbands who had to cough up some big bucks.

1. Micheal and Juanita Jordan

Over the course of their marriage, Jordan earned over $350 million dollars and Juanita walked away with an estimated $168 million. Making it the the largest celebrity divorce settlement in entertainment history!

2. Nas and Kelis

Ordered to pay $55k a month in child support. If you think that’s ridiculous, get a load of Kelis wanting Nas to pay a forensic accountant who will look into his money to see how much he’s really holding so she can get more on top of lawyer fees. Plus, the mortgage on their home in L.A.!

3. Tyrese Gibson and Norma

This divorce wasn’t so ugly, but she is getting a pretty penny out of it. Tyrese paid a one time lump sum of $42, 500, $6,230 in child support, paid for all attorney fees including his own of course, Norma keeps all gifts and jewels received during their marriage and Tyrese will buy Norma her Range Rover when the lease is up!

4. Russell Simmons and Kimora Lee

When you’re a mogul like Russell, expect a heavy price tag on a divorce. Kimora will never see a broke day considering she walked away with $480,000 a year in child support, $18,000 a month for maintenance of their home in New Jersey (which was eventually put up for sale), and provide her with a new car every two years valued at no less than $60, 000. Kimora will make sure she’s in style no matter who she’s with even if it means Russell will pick up the tab.

5. Michael Jackson and Debbie Rowe

The ex wife of the late “King of Pop”, Debbie Rowe managed to get $8.5 million, an SUV and a Beverly Hills home. + an additional $2 million for entering into a confidentiality agreement.

6. Babyface and Tracey Edmonds

Even though the couple has joint custody of their two children, Babyface parted ways with $70 million dollars in cash, property, stocks, alimony, child support, and a percentage of music publishing.

7. Lionel Richie and Diane

Although the marriage ended, Diane wanted to maintain the lifestyle she had as his wife. Lionel had to do a whole lot of singing to replace the $20 million dollars he had to hand over to Diane. The money is suppose to cover “expenses” she lists as clothes, shoes, accessories, dermatology, hair removal, massages, jewelry, and their son’s $125, 000 boarding school tuition (which seems like the only real expense here).

8. Paul McCartney and Heather Mills

Beatles star Paul McCartney had to pay out $48.7 million dollars to his estranged ex wife Heather Mills. Plus an additional $70,000 a year in alimony and child support. Maybe that $400 million deal with Apple and iTunes for the digital release of the Beatles catalog will help keep his lights on!

9. Robert Johnson and Sheila Crump

Better known as Bob Johnson, the co-founder of BET along with his ex wife Sheila. Bob also made history back in 200 after becoming the firs African American billionaire. Sheila was right behind him thanks to her settlement of $400 million ($5.5 million for each of the 25 years they were married) making her the first African American female billionaire (move over Oprah). The story gets even juicer, considering she turned around and married the judge that presided her divorce!

10. Mel Gibson and Robyn Moore

The outcome of this divorce could definitely knock out this whole list. Mel Gibson is reportedly worth almost $950 million and they never signed a prenup. Which means she could very well be entitled to half his fortune!

If only these folks took the time to sign the dotted line….

The Spike Lee doc Kobe Doin’ Work covering a single Kobe performance against the San Antonio Spurs last year debuts on Saturday, but all eyes will be on him again come Sunday night (May 17).

The Lakers didn’t expect to reach a Game 7 against the Rockets—not with Yao and T-Mac dressed in suits. But Houston, led by Ron Artest and the unheralded Luis Scola have pushed L.A. to the brink of elimination through hard work, simple enough.

It’s the perfect opportunity for Kobe to cement his legend— or fall considerably. Last year’s loss to the Celtics in the Finals made visible the chinks in his armor, but more importantly, substantiated the school of thought—a philosophy founded by Shaq himself—that Kobe simply can’t win a championship on his own. And a loss to the Rockets in only the Conference Semifinals will provide further evidence.

Kobe’s fully aware of the criticisms, but does he realize that a loss here could very well mark the end of his run at the top? LeBron already took home the MVP. Dwight Howard could have the Magic at the Cavs’ heels soon enough. And ‘Melo has the Nuggets looking like the real “best in the West.”

At 30, Kobe may have peaked. Then again, MJ came back at 32 to win three championships. If Kobe is to fill those Air Jordans, now’s the time.

-Devin Chanda

“The Air Up There” Michael Jordan is finally being inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Known as the greatest basketball player to ever play the game, Jordan has six NBA championship rings, five MVP awards, two Olympic gold medals, has made 14 All Star appearances, and has his name branded on the most famous pair of kicks to ever scuff the court.

MJ played in the NBA for 16 years: 15 years with the Chicago Bulls, one with the Wizards. He is still part-owner of the Charlotte Bobcats.

His induction will occur on Sept. 10-12 in Springfield, Massachusetts.

-Jeremy Clayton

NBA ALL STAR RECAP

The West had a victorious win over the East, (146-119) in Phoenix on Sunday night!  And, although this year’s NBA All Star MVP was shared between Shaq and Kobe, there should have been an All Star Crush awarded to Chris Paul.  (It would have been well deserved.)  The 23yr old Hornets’ guard was certainly a wow factor for many, and I’m not just referring to his on court performance.

Brand Jordan party

With Jay-Z at the Two Kings event

Check out more on CHRIS PAUL in the new March issue of GIANT!

Alsoooo…

Allen Iverson’s cut was also a highlight this past weekend, and I can agree, he was needed for a new look.  This one takes us back to his days as a Hoya!

A Georgetown Hoya, as a Denver Nugget and mostly recently at the All Star game

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK is in full effect, all while attracting the likes of Kanye West, Solange, Justin Timberlake, Zoe Saldana, Joy Bryant and Kim Kardashion (accompanied by Reggie Bush, of course) to name a few.  Nonetheless, one of the most anticipated shows of this week is BABY PHAT by Kimora Lee Simmons.  It’s usually the energy of the eclectic crowd along with DJ Cassidy spinning the the top hip hop tracks that really make this event a show!

I haven’t a clue what treats Miss Fabulousity has stirring up for Fall 2009 on Tuesday, yet it’s her well-known finales with adorable daughters, Ming Lee and Aoki that we live for.

81st ACADEMY AWARDS (THE OSCARS)

“The BIGGEST Movie Event of the Year!”

When: Sunday, Feb 22 @ 8pm (EST) on ABC

AND THE NOMINEES INCLUDE…

Sean Penn (MILK), Best Actor

Brad Pitt (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), Best Actor

Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight), Best Supporting Actor

Angelina Jolie (Changeling), Best Actress

Taraji Henson (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), Best Supporting Actress

BIRTHDAAAAYYYSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Feb 16 Ice-T, 51

Feb 17 Michael Jordan, 46

Paris Hilton, 28

Feb 18 Dr. Dre, 43

Feb 20 Rihanna, 20

Ice-T, Paris, Dre and Rihanna

Michael Jordan

The king and legend of basketball who not only made basketball kicks fashionable, but also rebelled against the NBA by wearing sneakers that did not abide by the color code.

Which brings us to our WOW (Word of the Week)…

INEFFABLE (adj): Incapable of being expressed or described in words

MJ’s ineffable skills of taking flight on the court has coined him the nickname “Air Jordan.”

There must be something about Madison Square Garden this week.

Days after Kobe Bryant scored 61 points against the New York Knicks at the legendary arena, LeBron James scored a 50-plus point trible-double against the Knicks. King James scored 52 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds. The Cleveland Cavaliers star joins Michael Jordan as the only player to have multiple 50-plus point performances at Madison Square Garden (they also share the same number 23) and becoming the first since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1975 to have a triple-double in a 50 point game. At 24 years-old, LBJ is the youngest NBA player to score more than 12,000 point-plateau.

Long live the King.

The new Air Jordan 2009 hits stores February 14th but the hype is already major. “The response has been good, both love and hate, and  that’s the way it’s supposed to be”, says 28-year-old designer of the shoe and Chicago native, Jason Mayden.

Iconic, confidence, deceptive, innovative and beyond…  five words  Jason Mayden uses to describe the shoe he dreamt his entire life of  designing and now finally can add to his resumé, the Air Jordan 2009.  The young talented designer first thought the whole idea was a joke.  “When my managers asked me to come into their office and closed the  door I thought I was in trouble!”  Yet, being asked to complete the achievement of a lifetime does not spell trouble. “It has been a huge challenge, but I  have grown so much during the process”, says Mayden.  He has not been alone though, Mr. Michael Jordan himself has been very involved with the process as well as a team of developers and  designers.

“We sat down with Michael Jordan and discussed what we were going to  do and decided to focus on his strength as a defender. We started  researching techniques and realized that the footwork of good defense is similar to the footwork they use in martial arts.  Jordan couldn’t agree more, so we got a lot of  inspiration from there”.

Mayden also got inspired by the Brand Jordan track and field athlete  April Holmes, who competes with a prosthetic leg.  “Jordan is all about turning weaknesses into strengths.  First  everyone thought of him as a weak defender, then he won the title Best Defender of the year.  So looking at April made perfect emotional  sense.  But the techniques she uses also made physical sense.  It’s all  about getting to the ball quicker and having a competitive advantage  on your opponents.  I love to see how man and machine work together  like that”.

As always the expectations of the new Air Jordan are sky high, but  although Mayden feels the pressure, his trust in MJ, and his team keeps him from getting too nervous. “It’s like children, this shoe is like my baby. I have spent a lot of time with them, put all the right  things in them, and now it is time to let them go … ” he says about  finally showing the shoe for the public eye.

The look of the shoe is designed to reflect on the sophistication and  essence of Michael Jordan, which is why Mayden chose to keep the  colors simple and let the quality of the materials speak and live.

Even though they are not even in stores yet, there has been some controversy about the high price of the sneaker, $190.   Mayden simply says that the Air Jordan 2009 is a “luxury product, with all the best materials, that has a legacy to live up to. It is  the best product in the world!”

When looking at the future, Jason Mayden’s goals are more about  mentoring than designing shoes. “A lot of young people sabotage their own dreams simply because nobody told them they could do it. They need support and I want to give it to them. Somebody helped me and now I  have to give back.”  This doesn’t in any way mean leaving Brand  Jordan.  “I love this company and it has given me the opportunity to  work with great athletes (Mayden has worked with every athlete tied to the brand and is now currently working on a shoe with Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets).   “I am not a fan of fixing things that don’t need fixing!”   With that in mind, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise to see the next  Air Jordan designed by Jason Mayden.  ”You’ll just have to wait and see about that.” he says.  And that’s just what we’ll do.

- As told to Hannah Arnhog

They’re here!

Today, at a press event in New York City, Michael Jordan himself unveiled the AIR JORDAN 2009 shoe. Its sophisticated design carries on the tradition of the world’s most respected basketball shoe while presenting a new naming scheme, retiring the labels “AIR JORDAN I through XX3” to keep Michael Jordan’s legacy special.

“Throughout the first 23 years of the AIR JORDAN franchise, we challenged ourselves and the industry by producing athletic footwear beyond the limits of what was possible,” said Michael Jordan. “The AIR JORDAN 2009 ushers in a new chapter for the Brand – it is the embodiment of what we can do and sets the course for the next 23 years for the franchise.”

Check out exclusive Air Jordan 2009 gallery below:

Can we kick it…well, yes we can. It’s time to reconsider the high-price of over-the-top sneakers. Now that we are officially in a Recession, it’s the moment to be smart about being stylish. The sure money is always on the classics. Keeping it simple, basic and clean is a great way to look cool without breaking the bank. My favorite types of sneakers are timeless and all endorsed (and named after) sports legends throughout the ages. Stylish, functional and “best in class”, these sneakers win every time. Check out my choice classic kicks.