Bronny James Shoe Deal: Can 19YO Lakers Rookie Carry Over Billionaire Father LeBron’s Nike Empire?

Congratulations are in order! As many predicted, the Los Angeles Lakers ended up signing Bronny James as pick no. 55 on the second day of the 2024 NBA Drafts. Despite the reportedly interested teams coming up ahead of the Purple & Gold, Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka granted LeBron James‘ wish. Of course, it was clarified that wasn’t the primary goal. Regardless, we can imagine the excitement, happiness, and satisfaction of the father of three when it happened.

Now since there has never been a father-son duo play in the NBA ever, it truly is a momentous time, especially for the James clan. With this great news coming in, there’s another reason why the James clan should be popping the finest bottle of a Louis Roederer. Bronny also has found loyalty in Nike now.

Having signed an amateur NIL deal with the brand, Bronny James has been part of the family since 2022. Nike dropped their new ad for the 19-year-old just minutes after the happy news.

The post on X had the caption, “The journey continues. Welcome to the big stage, Bronny.” The ad, though, had an inspiring quote – “Pressure was never a question… when passion has always been the answer.“

Bronny’s journey to the NBA couldn’t have been surmised better than this. While the James surname came with its advantages, it was a heavy responsibility. And it often resulted in much hate and criticism. We don’t even have to go that far back for instances that show this. The 19-year-old has been subject to ridicule and accused of nepotism since his USC days.

Yet, Bronny has come this far, canceling out all the noise and focusing on entering the NBA. Much like all those hopeful rookies. And as he embarks on a new chapter, many wonder just how much of LeBron’s legacy the young guard can carry forward.

Bronny James and Nike – the start of a relationship that has gone well past two decades

One of the 20x All-Star’s legacies is the Nike empire James has built over 20 years. In fact, the ‘Chosen One’ had inked the most expensive rookie deal (7 years, $87 million) to date when he left Adidas and Reebok in the dust a night before the 2003 draft night. Since then, Nike and Bron have dished out one of the most successful signature sneaker lines over the years.

Given how crucial of a role this footwear giant has played in the life of James’, it was not a surprise when Bronny decided to join Nike. Bron’s 2015 lifetime contract worth $1 billion played a large part in the 39-year-old entering the billionaire club in 2022. Seeing how the son is bent on closely following his father’s footsteps, we can look forward to a series of Bronny James sneaker lines entering the market soon.

Honestly, it wouldn’t be too much of a shock if the youngster ended up signing a lifetime contract earlier than his father. There have only been three NBA players who have signed one. And they were all above 30 years of age (MJ – 58, LBJ – 30, and KD – 35). Well, what are your thoughts on the matter? Can Bronny surpass Allen Iverson as the youngest athlete to sign a lifetime contract with a sports brand? Bear in mind, AI was just 26 when he inked a lifetime with Reebok!

Let us know your thoughts.

 But before you go, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe.

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