Michael Jordan Wasn’t the Reason Why LeBron James Joined Nike?
From the late ’80s to the ’90s, basketball aerospace was commanded by “Air Jordan.” Michael Jordan’s dominating and gravity-defying spectacle was catalytic to the sport, growing the game beyond borders and inspiring the next generations of hoopers worldwide—one being the “Kid from Akron.” LeBron James decided to wear 23 across his chest to honor “His Airness,” but it wasn’t “the reason” why he pledged his allegiance to Nike.
@espn LeBron with @Pat McAfee Show Clips on why he chose to sign with #Nike over other shoe brands at the beginning of his #nba career 👀 #lebron #shoes ♬ original sound – ESPN
During an episode of the Pat McAfee Show, James confirmed that he chose to wear the number of his greatest basketball influence, but signing with Nike was an “off-court” decision.
“I signed with Nike ‘cause I got hell of a signing bonus, and they gave me a seven-year, $90 million contract,” he mentioned.
“I moved my mom out of the hood the next day I signed that contract,” he continued.
What began as a seven-year, $90 million deal turned into a lifetime contract—said to be worth over $1 billion. Since his debut in the Nike Air Zoom Generation LeBron 1 to the LeBron XXII (and several extensions of the Nike LeBron line), he speaks of a connection to the Swoosh well beyond Michael Jordan’s influence.
“My whole thing was: “What do I want to wear off the court?” I wanted to wear Nikes like I wanted to wear Jordans, I wanted to wear Pennys, I wanted to wear Bo Jacksons, and I wanted to wear Air Maxes,” he added.
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