The Air Jordan 4 “Lakers” rewrites purple with an imperial twist

"Imperial Purple," all-star timing, and an open-to-interpretation colorway.

By
Julien Roversi
Julien Roversi, a Paris-based fashion enthusiast, is an emerging voice in footwear & fashion journalism. After studying fashion communication and media at the London College of...
3 Min Read
3 Min Read

Jordan Brand has chosen February 14th, 2026, for the release of the Air Jordan 4 “Lakers,” timed perfectly with NBA All-Star Weekend. First, the sneaker will be available to Los Angeles fans during the midseason celebration, then it will be made available to retailers globally on March 7th, 2026.

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📌 Key Facts
📅 Release date: February 14, 2026 (Los Angeles), March 7 worldwide
🏀 Event: NBA All-Star Weekend
🎨 Colorway: Imperial Purple / Yellow / Black / Grey
👟 Model: Air Jordan 4
💰 Retail price: $220 (Adult)
🧾 Style code: FV5029-500
📦 Packaging: Michael Jordan face box + hang tag
The Air Jordan 4 “Lakers” rewrites purple with an imperial twist

The Air Jordan 4 “Lakers” features an Imperial Purple suede upper that deviates from the franchise’s traditional bright purple. Yellow accents emerge through speckled Nike Air branding on the heel, the Jumpman logo on the tongue, and the insoles. Black, gray, and off-white details complete the design while maintaining the signature mesh panels and TPU wings of the silhouette.

“Imperial Purple” reads closer to navy or indigo than to the Lakers’ classic purple. This deeper shade creates visual ambiguity, enabling collectors to interpret the colorway differently. Some observers see Michigan Wolverines energy instead of Showtime vibes. The darker palette has broader appeal, reaching beyond basketball fans tied to the Los Angeles franchise.

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The Air Jordan 4 “Lakers” rewrites purple with an imperial twist

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Jordan Brand ships the Air Jordan 4 “Lakers” in the iconic Michael Jordan face box, a detail that longtime collectors will recognize immediately. The sneaker includes a hang tag and a sticker printed with “WE OUTSIDE,” continuing the brand’s tradition of playful extras. These packaging elements add to the sneaker’s collectible value without overwhelming its design.

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The Air Jordan 4 “Lakers” rewrites purple with an imperial twist
The Air Jordan 4 “Lakers” rewrites purple with an imperial twist
The Air Jordan 4 “Lakers” rewrites purple with an imperial twist
The Air Jordan 4 “Lakers” rewrites purple with an imperial twist
The Air Jordan 4 “Lakers” rewrites purple with an imperial twist
The Air Jordan 4 “Lakers” rewrites purple with an imperial twist

The staggered release begins on February 14th, 2026 in Los Angeles, with adult sizes priced at $220. Grade school sizes will be available at the same time, expanding the sneaker’s reach across age groups. A wider release through Nike SNKRS and select retailers follows on March 7th, 2026, after the exclusivity of All-Star Weekend. The official style code for this colorway is FV5029-500.

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