2023 NBA All-Star Game jerseys: What’s the story behind the design?

The 72nd NBA All-Star game is almost upon us, with team captains LeBron James of the LA Lakers and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks going against each other at the Vivint Arena at 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 PT.

The jerseys for the 2023 All-Star Game were revealed at the same time as they announced the captains and starters, and with a hugely positive reaction. Take a look below:

The story behind the jerseys

Both jerseys feature a gradient pattern, one from red to yellow and the other from blue to black. The shorts, however, have the opposite gradient effect of the jerseys, fading from yellow to red or black to blue.

Both uniforms have white numbers (which are a bit more difficult to see on the yellow jersey) and a white All-Star logo on the chest, as well as the Jordan Jumpman, who have made them for the past six years, and KIA logos on the shoulders.

The NBA’s delightful description

In a very poetic statement, the NBA said: “From the sky’s purple and blue tones in the evening to the red, burnt orange and yellow hues of the mountains and golden sunset, the colours and design pay homage to the landscapes of northern and southern Utah.

The five stars on the shorts are aligned in formation of Utah’s five national parks, revered around the world. The vertical stripe on the side of the jerseys is a nod to the Bonneville Salt Flats canals.”