Billionaire LeBron James Forced To Ditch Nike As Personal Project On Adidas Legend Comes To Public Attention

LeBron James did the unthinkable with his latest product from Uninterrupted. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar has always been a loyal ambassador for the brand, Nike, since the inception of his career. James not only acts as the ambassador but also has his own signature line, LeBrons. However, the superstar went out of the way and promoted an Adidas sneaker and its iconic legend, Sam Smith, for his latest project.

James took to his IG handle and dropped the trailer for the sports documentary, Who Is Sam Smith? The documentary focuses on the life of the Tennis legend and his contribution to the revolutionary Sam Smith sneakers. Importantly, the initial few seconds of the trailer showcased the legendary Adidas sneakers, and sharing it in his story, James also wrote, “The MAN, The Myth, The LEGEND!!!”

Even though the current generation isn’t really aware of the Tennis legend, Sam Smith, they are very much in tune with the sneaker with his name on it. The famous Adidas sneaker became a cultural revolution and fashion statement in the 20th century. And it carried on even till today. The billion-dollar company also made the necessary upgrades and adjustments in the course of time, to keep the sneaker always relevant on the showroom shelves.

This documentary is an attempt to tell the world about the man behind the shoe’s popularity. LeBron James‘ production company, Uninterrupted from the parent company, SpringHill Company was created to tell exclusive stories of sports icons even after their retirement.

King James alongside Maverick Carter produced this film for theatrical release across the country. The film will initially be released in New York City on May 10th and select theaters nationwide from May 17th.

How did Adidas miss out on LeBron James?

In the last 21 years, Nike and LeBron James ruled the basketball sneaker industry with sheer domination. However, it was all possible because of the million-dollar decision that the superstar made during his high school. Before his rookie season, the big players from the shoe industry circled the 18-year-old like hawks to get his signature on their contracts.

Notably, James always had his eyes set on the three stripes, as per his then-agent Aaron Goodwin. But it was Adidas’ blunder that cost them the deal in 2003. Speaking of the misfortune, Goodwin said, “The truth of the entire matter is LeBron was an Adidas guy. They would’ve signed him if Adidas had come in with the offer they were supposed to.”

Sonny Vaccaro, then-executive with Adidas, promised James’ mother Gloria that her son would get a $100 million contract. It wasn’t an offer but a statement. However, when Gloria and Vaccaro flipped through contract pages in Malibu, the numbers weren’t as promised. Instead of $10 million a year, James was set to receive $7-odd million.

James’ family rejected the offer and Vaccaro also resigned from the company and joined Reebok. In the end, it was Nike that struck the right chord and made a decision of their lifetime.