Skip to content

LeBron helped design new black Cavs uniforms; to debut vs. Hornets

Bob Donnan / USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Cavaliers are set to rock their new black "Statement" uniforms for the first time Friday against the Charlotte Hornets.

LeBron James called them "great," but he might be biased since he helped design the Nike threads, which are predominantly black with diagonal gray pinstripes, and feature wine and gold trim.

The jersey is an updated version of the sleeved one the Cavs wore when they defeated the Golden State Warriors in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals to capture the franchise's first championship. That's why James sees black jerseys becoming a permanent part of Cleveland's rotation.

"It's probably going to be a staple of this franchise forever," the four-time MVP said. "Because we won our first championship in franchise history in all black so, no matter who is in uniform here throughout the rest of eternity, I feel like ... the black uniform will probably be incorporated in the grand scheme of things just for the memories."

The "Statement" is the third uni to be unveiled, following in the footsteps of the "Association" (white) and "Icon" (wine) editions. The "City" uni is the fourth and final version, and will be introduced later this season.

LeBron said he wants to see fans wearing all black to set the mood on Black Friday at Quicken Loans Arena, where he and the Cavs will try to notch their seventh straight win.

- With h/t to Cleveland.com

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox