This story is produced in partnership with Lexus and the all-electric Lexus RZ. As NBA All-Star Weekend unfolded, the focus extended beyond the game itself to the craft, creativity, and cultural energy shaping the weekend. In that same spirit, the Lexus RZ represents a new expression of performance — where craft and precision become art, and every detail is designed to be felt.
NBA All-Star Weekend has evolved into something far greater than an exhibition game. It’s a convergence of brands, athletes, designers, and fans shaping the future of basketball culture in real time — with special releases, expansive activations, and citywide celebrations unfolding at every turn.
Courtesy of Lexus USA, I navigated Los Angeles to take in everything the city had to offer that week. In addition to touring various spaces ahead of public openings, I spoke with New Balance product manager Kevin Trotman about the brand’s latest chapter in basketball footwear, as well as with Jae Tips surrounding his latest New Era project. With the dust having settled, here’s a recap of the biggest moments.
Nike 11th Ave Market
One of my first stops was at Crenshaw High School, where Nike hosted the 11th Ave Market, a special activation featuring a wide range of local creatives. Ten partner booths, five local food staples, and programming ranging from upcycling workshops to ceramic AF1 painting turned the campus into a creative hub. The Swoosh also included a pop-up for the fragment design x Nike Book 2, with boxes signed by Hiroshi Fujiwara and Devin Booker. It also put together a SNKRS Cafeteria, where over 20 sought-after sneakers were available for sale alongside event-themed apparel. Fortunately for my wallet, my time here was limited, and I left empty-handed.
Luka Dončić’s 77X Space
After interviewing him digitally for his Overwatch 2 collaboration last year, I met Luka Dončić in person. The Slovenian superstar brought together media, content creators, and his closest friends to tour Lil Luka’s Heartbreak Factory. It was surreal watching greats like Dirk Nowitzki and JJ Redick mingle with livestreamers broadcasting to tens of thousands in real time. Serving as the debut space for his new direct-to-fan platform, 77X, we started with a trickshot competition where Luka and I missed every shot we took. Thankfully, the rest of the pop-up was a hit, with new merchandise paired with more sweets than I care to admit.
Kith for NBA All-Star 2026 Party
Staying on Sunset Boulevard, I got lost trying to find Kith’s West Hollywood store. Eventually, I found the entrance and stepped into the boutique. After perusing its curation, I got to capturing content, highlighting its NBA All-Star 2026 collection, a nod to the legendary 2001 exhibition. By the time I had shared footage with my teammates, the calmness of the luxe storefront had dissipated. Ronnie Fieg had arrived and was swiftly swarmed by his friends as they celebrated the collaboration. I finally gave Kith Treats a try, and found myself enjoying ice cream just feet away from the Larry O’Brien trophy. Before I left for my next appointment, I couldn’t resist copping a Portland Trail Blazers keychain.
Converse Shai 001 Lux “Truffle” Lounge
Just a block away, Converse Hoops had its own pop-up. Dubbed the Converse SHAI Lounge, it introduced the SHAI 001 Lux in a rich “Truffle” composition. From the furnishings to handmade confections, the brand stayed true to the truffle theme. It even assembled mini SHAI 001-shaped chocolates to commemorate the moment. After feasting on the catering, we were treated to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stepping out in a cocoa-toned fit. He paused to thank the room for its support since the debut of the SHAI 001 last year, and departed in a custom 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air that also took the theme to heart.
New Balance Brand House
Elsewhere, New Balance Basketball took over a light-filled venue tucked into the city to showcase its new P350 and P400 sneakers alongside complementary apparel. The brand also hosted competitions at two local courts, where I met Cameron Brink for an interview for Hypemaps. To better understand New Balance’s latest gear, I asked product manager Kevin Trotman about the brand’s evolving philosophy.
We have a new shift for the in-line basketball offerings from New Balance this season. Could you speak to the intention behind this move?
Kevin Trotman: About 18 months ago, there was a true shift we wanted to make in the category. We had established traction in the lifestyle category and wanted to inject energy into the basketball division. Rooted in our “Quiet Noise” campaign messaging, it’s about focusing on the times where people don’t see you putting the work in.
Two new models are being displayed in the space today. What about each of them stands out?
Looking at the P350 here, the vamp overlays are reminiscent of the 9060s and our 990s, a very intentional design choice to bring New Balance DNA to the line. From a performance standpoint, we added a lateral stability wing so that when players shift from left to right, they feel the energy is contained, and their foot remains in position.
As for the P400, we have a similar story. This is our cushioning-oriented silhouette, and you can see that with the Fresh Foam visible. Making it something you can touch lets the consumer feel what the sensation will be like while playing. As for the molded elements and overlays, they bridge things back to our core design language.
Junya Watanabe MAN revealed the New Balance P400 at Paris Fashion Week back in January. How did that come to fruition?
When contemplating the rollout strategy, we wanted to tap into a playbook similar to what we’ve used on the lifestyle collaboration side. Having the first look at Fashion Week was extremely intentional for us. We love the idea of releasing something at a tier zero level, creating energy for the line. You’ll see more collaborations and energy drops, especially on the fashion side, but it’ll still feel inherently on-brand. We want it to feel performance while being elevated.
PUMA x Fast & Furious Garage
LaMelo Ball and PUMA tapped the Fast & Furious franchise for a new collaboration that launched during NBA All-Star Weekend. The trio translated Fast & Furious iconography into car-themed sneakers, paying homage to beloved characters such as Dominic Toretto. I perused the kicks alongside a wide variety of thematic apparel that was also prepared and on display in the special PUMA x Fast & Furious Garage. Several of the matching cars were even positioned next to their respective shoes. I made sure to hit up the demo station for LaMelo’s MB.05, which allowed me to lace up a pair for the one-on-one free-throw shootout zone. After winning my showdown, I was given a “pink slip” to redeem a special prize.
New Era ft. Jae Tips
I linked up with Jae Tips at his New Era pop-up. His label, Savior Worldwide, reconnected with the lifestyle brand to create a collection for NBA All-Star 2026. Jae’s penchant for vibrant designs came across clearly via tees, outerwear, and, of course, hats. Customers were offered a free customization experience with each cap purchase and free Valentine’s Day flowers. Speaking to the collection, Jae shared his thoughts on his participation in basketball’s biggest showcase.
What was the first thing you knew you wanted to express with this New Era collaboration?
Jae Tips: My goal was to make something that felt as big as the moment, distinct from what everyone else had put together.
What’s your favorite piece from the range?
Definitely the jacket. The Los Angeles star jacket with green sleeves, as the hero piece, best represents the full collection and its point of view.
New Era is rooted in sports heritage. How do you put your own stamp on something so iconic?
To me, it feels like New Era has never truly gotten its credit for being so important in culture. A New Era cap is just as important as a pair of Jordans. I try to design with that same intention, bridging sport with fashion.
What’s it like being a part of an event like NBA All-Star Weekend?
It’s amazing. We all grow up with dreams of being a hooper. So to be a part of it in a fashion sense is big to me.
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