Ahead of its rumored July 14 release date, the forthcoming LeBron James Fortnite skin has leaked. The aesthetic update is intended to coincide with the premiere of Space Jam: A New Legacy later this week, a film in which LeBron James stars with cartoon co-star Bugs Bunny in a virtual environment. Although the skin’s existence hasn’t been verified, the leaked render backs up the LeBron James Fortnite speculations that have been spreading for the last week.
When it is launched, LeBron’s three outfits will be the most recent addition to Fortnite’s Icon Series, which features prominent streamers and other real-life personalities. It began with an official Ninja Skin at the start of 2020 and has since extended to include everyone from Fortnite musical guest Travis Scott to DJ Marshmello.
This is in addition to Fortnite’s many other fictitious character partnerships. A typical battle royale can include video game characters such as God of War’s Kratos and Halo’s Master Chief vying for a Victory Royale, as well as NFL players, action movie hero John Wick, and the Demogorgon from Stranger Things all watching from a well-constructed base.
Twitter user @FNinformation shared an official-looking render of three King James outfits, one of which lived up to his moniker. Players that obtain the skin in Fortnite will be able to transform into a regal version of the Basketball player, complete with a floating crown, golden lion shoulder pads, and some really nice sunglasses.
The other variants are simpler, such as one that shows LeBron chilling in shorts and a teal t-shirt with a taco trail imprinted on it. The final image depicts LeBron as a member of the Tune Squad, the basketball team he co-founded with the Looney Tunes in Space Jam: A New Legacy.
Since then, Epic Games has confirmed LeBron James’ inclusion in the Fortnite Icon Series. The LeBron James and Tune Squad combinations, as well as a Taco Tuesday Style version, will be released on July 14 with two costumes (each sporting his new Nike LeBron 19 sneakers). The game will also have a new loading screen depicting the basketball superstar, with all of the LeBron material promoting the July 16 debut of his leading role in Space Jam 2.
In the past, Icon Series skins have cost between 1500 and 2500 V-Bucks, with the higher pricing earning players a bundle of goods in addition to the skins. Because the LeBron James Fortnite skin has yet to be formally revealed, it’s unknown how much it will cost or whether it will be accompanied by any additional in-game activities.
MVP. Global Icon. Gold Medalist. The King has arrived. @KingJames is bringing his legacy to the Icon Series. Read our blog for info about his Outfits, Gear and more.https://t.co/cfF6AmKqjA pic.twitter.com/8WklIyTRqz
— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) July 12, 2021
Given that the skin doubles as a movie promotion, a limited-time creative mode based around hoops or any other Space Jam tie-in would be a natural fit. In any case, starting on July 14, gamers will be able to slam dunk on 99 other battle royale opponents if the reports are accurate.
Whether gamers are avid NBA fans or just want to see Space Jam return, it’s safe to say that LeBron James will be a popular addition to the Fortnite universe. If the picture is fabricated, the renderings that surfaced online today match up with prior skin leaks, and the King James skin that leads the group would be a very complex fan design.
The only real drawback is that Bugs Bunny won’t be able to join in the pop culture parade with his new NBA co-star, but when it comes to Epic Games and their ever-expanding video game empire, “never say never.”
