Was Nike The “Sole” Reason For LeBron James & Michael Jordan’s Stardom? Debunking Sebastian Telfair’s Shocking Claim

Michael Jordan and LeBron James probably have zero to nothing to prove in the NBA world. Apart from their insane global popularity, MJ has won 6 rings for the Chicago Bulls and Bron has been scripting his own history with longevity and accolades. However, Sebastian Telfair, a former NBA player, wrote off the legends’ efforts with a shocking claim. The 38-year-old claimed that Nike played the primary role in achieving their celebrated persona and also improved their game.

In the latest episode of All The Smoke, James’ former teammate Telfair sat alongside Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson for a basketball conversation. The former player spoke about an array of topics, but he left the panel shaken with a claim he made. Barnes and Jackson argued against his claim, but he defended himself with a question. He asked, “You are trying to tell me Jordan sneakers and everyone having his sneakers on did not help Mike with Jordan mentality?” 

Barnes and Jackson immediately disagreed and said MJ would hoop, regardless of these external factors. Telfair didn’t stop at that. He went to drop another analogy. He claimed that if LeBron James wore Shaq’s Reebok lines instead of his Nike, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar wouldn’t be the same star that he is today.

Barnes and Jackson continued to disagree, but Telfair didn’t seem to stop giving his analogies. He even dropped a Kobe Bryant analogy, in which he argued that his popularity and financial level made him unguardable.

And to top it all, he backed his claim, saying, Gilbert Arenas’ terminated contract with Adidas affected his game. While there may be some truth behind these statements, several players experience contract extensions and terminations in their careers. Moreover, several players have ruled the game despite not being the ambassadors of top brands, like Stephen Curry, who is an Under Armor athlete. But, these lucrative deals did contribute to the financial assets of both LeBron James and Michael Jordan.

Michael Jordan Nike earnings Vs LeBron James’

While the former baller claimed that Nike made Michael Jordan, the truth contrasts his statement. In fact, the Air Jordan deal in the 1980s did save the company from shutdown. The deal helped the company sell $100 worth of shoes in the first year itself.

Jordan started off his Nike deal by signing a 5-year deal worth $2.5 million. In 1997, MJ and the brand collaborated to launch the Jordan brand. As of 2020, MJ made $1.3 billion with only 5% from the sale of each shoe. As per INC.com, the estimated total earnings could be around $1.5 billion.

On the other hand, King James signed a lifetime deal with Nike in 2015, which pays him $30 million annually. According to Sports Illustrated, the deal might cost approximately $1 billion. Apart from that, he dealt with Nike even before the lifetime deal. During his rookie season in 2003, he signed a 7-year deal for $87 million. What do you make of Sebastian Telfair’s shocking claim? Let us know in the comments below.

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