Announcing the LeBron 13s, Nike said the shoes are "built for explosiveness" with a sock-like fit.

But not everyone is cheering the latest range from LeBron and Nike.

It emerged this week that long-time rival Paul Pierce - formerly of the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards and now Los Angeles Clippers - banned his teammates from wearing 'Lebrons' on the training court.

Wizards centre Marcin Gortat explained that this was a strange quirk of Pierce's that everyone was forced to abide by.

"Well, what I learned from him, you're not allowed to wear LeBron James's shoes to practice," he said.

The rivalry between Pierce and James is fierce, beginning way back in 2008. James, a rookie, netted 37 points, but was outdone by Pierce's 41.

Pierce was unhappy with some chatter from Otis Carter, father of his friend Maverick Carter, a man James considers an uncle.

As the legend goes according, Pierce told James late in the game he needed to tell Carter to be quiet or he'd go for 50 points.

And thus the rivalry was born.

Since then, the two have battled it out in the regular season and playoffs across many different teams.

So the lesson is clear. If you want to buy the new LeBron 13s, make sure you're not on a team with Paul Pierce.