LeBron James is Nike’s most important athlete, and he happens to be teammates with Lakers guard Lonzo Ball. So, it should come as no surprise that LeBron has been paying close attention to the shoe drama unfolding around the Ball family.
On Friday, ESPN reported that Lonzo parted ways with Big Baller Brand co-founder Alan Foster after LaVar’s longtime friend allegedly embezzled $1.5 million of the Lakers guard’s money. Lonzo responded by scrubbing his social media of Big Baller Brand content and not-so-subtly hinting at a move to Nike.
If that apparent BBB-to-Nike move does indeed happen, LeBron would welcome Lonzo with open arms. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, LeBron praised Lonzo for taking control of his business life. He was proud to see Lonzo make a tough decision about his father’s company this early in his career.
LeBron said via LA Times:
“Whatever the kid decides to do, whatever brand he comes with next — if it’s with Nike obviously we would welcome him. I would definitely welcome him. I love the kid regardless of what shoes he had on. But we shall see.”
He continued:
“I love the fact that he’s taking control of his [stuff],” James said. “I mean, he’s, that’s what’s really, really dope to me. Once I saw that story I just seen a kid turning into a man. ‘This is my career and I’m taking this. I done had enough with — whatever. I done had enough. Whatever. If I’m not going to be successful, I’m not going to be successful on my terms.’ I saw a lot of that. We’ll see.”
He added with a smile: “I mean he plays well when he has on Nikes.”
Lonzo has played in Nike Kobe AD sneakers at times during his NBA career despite turning down a lucrative Nike deal to help launch Big Baller Brand.
On Monday, Lonzo’s manager Darren Moore posted a video to his Instagram Story of him throwing away Big Baller Brand shoes. ESPN reported that the Ball family discussed folding the company — and everything associated with Foster — over the weekend.
