The Air Jordan 1 Low is one of the most iconic sneakers from Jordan Brand. Since debuting in 1985, the Air Jordan 1 has seen countless colorways and collaborations. With the Los Angeles Lakers being one of the most storied franchises in the NBA, it’s no surprise that Jordan Brand has released several Lakers-inspired Air Jordan 1s over the years.
In 2023, we expect Jordan Brand to continue this tradition by dropping new Lakers-themed Air Jordan 1 Lows. Based on recent releases and rumors, here are the potential colorways we may see this year.
Purple and Gold
Purple and gold are the quintessential Lakers colors, so it’s very likely we’ll see a new Air Jordan 1 Low release in these hues. Jordan Brand has consistently used purple and gold on Lakers sneakers, like the Air Jordan 4 Retro Lakers from 2020 and the recent Air Jordan 13 Lakers from 2022.
For the Air Jordan 1 Low, we can expect a white leather upper with purple overlays and gold accents on the Nike Swoosh, tongue branding, and outsole. This clean and classic color blocking ties together the Lakers’ signature palette in a stylish Air Jordan 1 Low makeup.
Black and Grey
Black and grey provide a more understated take on the Lakers’ team colors. Jordan Brand used this color scheme on the special edition Air Jordan 4 Retro inspired by Kobe Bryant’s “Black Mamba” persona back in 2020.
For the Air Jordan 1 Low, we could see a black leather upper with grey suede or nubuck overlays, Swoosh, laces, and outsole. Purple would likely accent the tongue and heel branding as a nod to the Lakers colors. This blacked-out Jordan 1 Low would make a menacing yet minimalist Lakers shoe.
White and Purple
An alternate way to incorporate purple is with a white and purple color scheme. White leather uppers work well as a canvas for purple accents. We could see purple on the toe box, eyelets, Nike Swoosh, heel tab, and outsole for contrast.
Jordan Brand has used similar color blocking before on beloved releases like the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Shadow” from 2018. Applying this style to an Air Jordan 1 Low results in a clean white and purple combo perfect for Lakers fans.
Yellow and Purple
For a bold retro look, yellow and purple would make a loud Lakers-inspired Air Jordan 1 Low. Vintage Lakers uniforms featured bright yellow paired with royal purple. Jordan Brand nodded to this with the Air Jordan 8 Retro Lakers from 2020.
The Air Jordan 1 Low could get the same treatment with yellow leather uppers and purple accents on the Swoosh, laces, and heel. This eye-catching blast from the past would celebrate the Lakers’ colorful history in retro Air Jordan style.
Gold Patent Leather
Patent leather offers the perfect material for an opulent gold Air Jordan 1 Low. Jordan Brand gave the Air Jordan 1 Mid a full gold patent leather makeover in 2020, which looked suitably lavish.
Imagine the Air Jordan 1 Low done up in metallic gold patent leather on the uppers and outsole. The purple tongue branding and translucent outsole would perfectly offset the bold gold shade. This glossy gold low-top makes a bold statement inspired by the Lakers’ championship pedigree.
Potential Release Dates
So when can we expect to see these Lakers-flavored Air Jordan 1 Low releases? Jordan Brand will likely aim to drop them leading up to the 2023-2024 NBA season tipping off in October.
Key shoes tend to launch right before the start of the NBA schedule. The Air Jordan 13 Lakers, for example, released in September 2022. Therefore, a September or early October launch is plausible for any potential Lakers Air Jordan 1 Lows.
Jordan Brand may also target a February release around the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend hosted in Las Vegas. The All-Star Game offers prime timing to drop special edition sneakers.
Retail Pricing
In terms of retail pricing, the Air Jordan 1 Low typically launches for $90 to $110 USD depending on materials and collaboration status. Therefore, standard Lakers versions would likely sit in the $100 price range.
However, if Jordan Brand produces a premium collaboration or limited edition Lakers release, we could see prices up to $150 or more. Overall, expect most Lakers Air Jordan 1 Low drops to retail between $100 to $120 for general releases.
Where to Buy
As with all hotly anticipated drops, buying the Lakers Air Jordan 1 Lows will take some preparation and luck. Here are some top spots to buy a pair:
- Nike SNKRS app release
- Select skate shops and boutiques
- Resellers like GOAT and StockX
- Retail sites like Foot Locker and Champs Sports
Limited pairs will sell out fast online and at retailers. Prepare by making accounts in advance and following launch news on sneaker blogs. Alternatively, resale sites will carry pairs, albeit at inflated prices. The hype for a new Lakers Air Jordan 1 Low will make securing retail pairs a challenge.
Who Will Rock Them On-Court
Given the Los Angeles Lakers theme, we expect to see players rocking these shoes straight on the court. Anthony Davis and LeBron James would be obvious choices as current Lakers superstars.
However, Nike and Jordan Brand may look to up-and-coming players fresh off the draft to rep the new colorways. Recent Lakers draft picks like Talen Horton-Tucker or Austin Reaves could get the nod and raise their profiles wearing exclusive Lakers Jordans.
Off-court, famous Lakers fans like Denzel Washington or Jack Nicholson may break out pairs to support the team. With LA being a celebrity hotspot, the shoes are sure to get exposure around the city.
Competition From Other Brands
The Lakers are such cultural icons, we can expect other brands to drop competing Lakers products around similar launch periods. Main rivals for Jordan Brand include:
- Adidas Forum or Superstar silhouettes
- Under Armour Curry models
- LeBron or KD Nikes if no player exclusivity deal
- Puma, New Balance basketball lines
However, the Air Jordan likely still reigns supreme due to its legacy. The Jumpman logo also resonates strongly with youth culture and basketball fans. Therefore Jordan Brand has a competitive edge leveraging the Air Jordan 1 Low model.
The Verdict
In 2023 and beyond, look for Jordan Brand to keep celebrating the close ties between the Air Jordan lineage and the Los Angeles Lakers franchise. Given the Air Jordan 1 Low’s popularity, applying classic Lakers themes makes perfect sense.
Lakers colors, materials, and players have inspired amazing Air Jordans over 35 years. As the Lake Show chases another championship, exciting new Air Jordan 1 Low colorways will likely drop to fuel the purple and gold hype.
Lakers Air Jordan 1 Low Colorways Comparison Table
| Colorway | Style | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Purple/Gold | Clean and classic | October 2023 |
| Black/Grey | Understated Mamba look | February 2024 |
| White/Purple | Crisp with purple accents | September 2023 |
| Yellow/Purple | Vintage colors | TBA |
| Gold Patent Leather | Opulent championship vibe | TBA |
Conclusion
Jordan Brand is likely cooking up fresh takes on the iconic Air Jordan 1 Low that pay tribute to the Los Angeles Lakers. We can expect stylish color schemes using the Lakers’ signature purple and gold palette with crisp white contrasts. Premium materials on yellow, black, and gold versions will deliver luxury looks worthy of the Lake Show’s rich legacy.
For both diehard Jordanheads and Lakers fans, these upcoming shoes will be must cops. Stay locked into sneaker news and expect amazing Lakers x Air Jordan 1 Lows to drop throughout 2023 and 2024.
