Did Michael Jordan Pick Aaron Judge Over Shohei Ohtani to Boost $159B Company Because of an Anti-LA Bias?

Michael Jordan is one of the biggest names in sporting history. The NBA legend graced the sport for two decades, winning multiple championships. But given that Los Angeles Lakers are one of the best teams in his NBA history, his absence from their roster is a big mystery. Though he played for 15 NBA seasons, he never made Los Angeles his home, which continues to be a trend in his off-field decisions.

In addition to his talents on the hard court, much of his success comes from Nike for Air Jordans, which has become a legacy. Over the past, many players have become part of this organization from different sports. But his latest decision to select Aaron Judge as the company’s new face over the current home run leader Shohei Ohtani has brought again the question about his anti-Los Angeles bias.

Aaron Judge Becomes the Latest Addition to Michael Jordan’s Legacy

Since its inception, Air Jordans have ruled the market. They started as custom-made shoes for Jordan, but they’re now universal favorites. They have also contributed to the Nike value, which is estimated to be around $160 billion. Because of it, the brand stands as a dream collaboration for many. When it comes to the Yankees captain, his wish was seemingly fulfilled after he became the latest addition to the MLB players with their Air Jordan cleats.

A Post from Nike confirmed the same. It read, “Aaron Judge is officially Team @jumpman23. Judge joins Mookie Betts, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., David Price, Manny Machado, and Jazz Chisholm as Jordan Brand’s current roster of MLB athletes. 

Though Judge is not the first MLB player on the list, the absence of Shohei Otani has raised many questions. Many have pointed and synced it with Jordan’s potential anti-Los Angeles bias. But is this case true? Let’s analyze.

Is Shohei Ohtani Missing From the Jordan Brand List Because of an Anti-Los Angeles Bias?

Given the popularity of Ohtani and his success at the diamond, everyone wants him to be included in every top player list. It includes the All-Star list of players with the highest war or MVP leaders. But when his name was not on Jordan’s list for collaboration, many raised questions. Some said that one reason for Judge’s selection was that Jordan held a grudge against LA.

Read More:- $2 Billion Business Tycoon Michael Jordan Joins Hands With $360,000,000 Aaron Judge 24 Years After Historic Derek Jeter Partnership

But is the presumption true? Well, the stats say otherwise. According to ranker.com, of the top best NBA players to be signed by the Jordan brand, the top 10 players include two Los Angeles Lakers players. Moreover, all of them are young and have been selected because of their talent. It also puts the presumption of anti-Los Angeles bias, which is blamed for Ohtani’s miss.

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below!

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