“I love it” were the words LeBron James used while listening to ‘Not Like Us’ by Kendrick Lamar when Team USA defeated Serbia in a friendly. The tune was made for a singular purpose – to disrespect Drake. And this was one of the many occasions the King was swaying to the song, including appearing at Lamar’s concert for the same. Those weeks could be considered his standing against Drake in the rapper feud.

However, the Toronto musician is only here to share love. And he is doing it through his new NOCTA “Love You Forever” Nike Air Force 1. Recently, the rapper sent a pair of these exclusive sneakers to James, a lifelong Nike athlete. In return, the Lakers forward made sure he reciprocated the love he received from Drake.

LeBron James dedicated an Instagram story, revealing the slick sneakers along with an infinity emoticon. It could be indicative of the immortal bond he shares with Drake, who has always had a great relationship with the King.

Speaking of the shoe in particular, the Drake-inspired version of the Air Force 1 comes in its signature Triple White colorway. The popular shoe also boasts premium leather along with plastic alphabet and number beads on the laces to finish the look. Drake’s touch is most visible on the sole. The traditional ‘AIR’ mark is replaced with the phrase “Love You Forever”.

This is among the several releases from Drake’s NOCTA division within Nike. It also includes performance gear, accessories and other shoes of the rapper’s creation.

Drake’s NOCTA way

There wasn’t a separate faction in Nike like the Jordan brand. But in 2020, after several collaborations with the Swoosh, Drake took the big leap. He teased it during his ‘Laugh Now Cry Later’ music video, filmed in the Nike headquarters itself. The first drop featured a puffer jacket, a hoodie, socks, and fleece pants.

Since then, his collection has grown further. His piece of the NOCTA line has a touch of Drake in it. His passion for creation and innovation stems from his childhood adoration of the iconic brand. And the main motive behind creating the line was to have a statement fashion piece for “the grinders”.

“I wanted to take a piece of that culture that I grew up with, that school of thought, and bring the best to it. With Nocta, we were trying to make the hardest jacket, the hardest tracksuit, the hardest gloves. Just the best of that world,” Drake told GQ.

Initially, Drake had signed with the Jordan brand and even curated several premium sneakers. From the Air Jordan 4 Raptors to the many OVO models, he built an arsenal within the Swoosh before convincing them of his independent vision.

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.