Nike Release Dates 2014: KD VI, Kobe 9, LeBron 11 ‘Elite Team’ 2014 NBA Playoffs Editions Coming Out [Photos]

Just in time for the upcoming 2014 NBA Playoffs, Nike will release playoff-related sneakers on April 11, Nike announced recently.

Nike will release their 2014 Basketball Elite Series Team Collection, which includes the KD VI Elite, Kobe 9 Elite, and LeBron 11 Elite, which features major improvements from the previous editions of these signature sneakers.

According to Nike, all three sneakers were designed to meet the exact needs of Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, and Miami Heat forward LeBron James.

"The Nike Basketball Elite Series Team Collection represents the best for the best: footwear designed to the exact specifications of LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant," Nike announced on its website. "Using premium materials, advanced construction and athlete insights, Nike Basketball's design team proudly unveils its most technically advanced trio of signature shoes in one collection."

The new KD VI Elite, which will be released in Photo Blue/Team Orange-Atomic Mango colorway, is lighter than the original edition of Durant's sixth signature shoe, while also featuring increased breathability.

This edition also moves precisely and naturally with the foot, according to Nike, while also having full-length visible Nike Zoom units throughout the midsole—a never-before-seen feature in a KD signature sneaker.

The KD VI Elite, which features a photo blue upper with atomic orange logos and sole, will sell at $200 per pair.

The Kobe 9 Elite will be released for the first time in a Lakers-centric colorway with Nike describing it as "Bryant's most provocative shoe" to date.

Bryant's ninth signature shoe is the first Nike basketball shoe to feature the Flyknit technology along with a Dynamic Flywire upper and Lunarlon cushioning.

This particular edition of the Kobe 9 Elite also features increased responsiveness, while also providing the lockdown the Lakers superstar needs when he returns to action next season.

The Kobe 9 Elite will be released in a Court Purple/White-Laser Orange-Wolf Grey colorway and will be available for $225 per pair.

The LeBron 11 Elite, on the other hand, will come out in a Heat-themed Wolf Grey/Laser Crimson-Cool Grey-Black colorway, which will sell at $275 per pair.

Like the KD VI Elite and Kobe 9 Elite, the LeBron 11 Elite was also tailor-made for James' electrifying power plays on the hardcourt.

"James's physique and powerful play require a shoe that can withstand extreme torque and pressure, while maintaining breathability and a lightweight feel. The LeBron 11 Elite Team edition is tailored to James's game and is lightweight, sleek and strong," Nike noted.