Just 19-year-old and Juju Watkins is already moving ahead on the path of legends. If you have been following up with women’s college basketball scenario (major thanks to Caitlin Clark and Angle Reese), you’d know Watkins recently landed a multi-year contract with Nike. An opportunity that knocked on the gates of multiple icons like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. While this is more of a financial side of the game, her connection with the Lakers star, Bron, is not just limited to this Nike.

When the 19-year-old made her debut for the USC Trojans, she wasn’t just making headlines on her own; Bron’s eldest son, Bronny James, was also playing for the men’s team. During this year’s March Madness, the King himself couldn’t help but notice Watkins’s incredible performance against UConn in the Elite Eight. If you watched that game, you know what we’re talking about.

She put on a show, scoring 29 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks. The UConn Huskies threw everything at her defensively, but she kept pushing, nearly dragging her team to the Final Four. The result? A hard-fought 80-73 loss for USC. But JuJu Watkins had already won over the crowd—and LeBron James. The fact the Lakers star couldn’t hold back from praising her is a testament to it. “@jujubballin Congrats and proud of you!” he wrote in a social media post.

But here’s something you might not know—Bron has probably been aware of the Trojans’ guard since her high school days. When Watkins transferred to Sierra Canyon for her junior and senior years, she led the team to a CIF Southern Section title and was already making waves. And guess who else was there? Yes, Bronny James. The two were building their own legacies simultaneously, right under the King’s watchful eye.

And if that’s not enough to show how their paths are intertwined, let’s talk about Klutch Sports Group—the agency run by LeBron James’ close friend and agent, Rich Paul. Watkins made history as the first female athlete signed to the agency, and now this multi-year Nike deal adds another layer of commonality.

What does Juju Watkins’ multi-year Nike deal indicate?

The reports about the deal first came from ESPN’s Shams Charania. With this, the 19-year-old basketball sensation has landed one of the richest shoe endorsement deals in women’s basketball history. If you’ve been following her journey, you’ll recall that she first signed with Nike back in October 2022.

“My family’s always given back to the community and now it’s my turn. With Nike’s support, I know I can make a difference. I can’t wait to share my love for the game with young athletes in Los Angeles – especially in the Watts community – and around the world,” Watkins had said of her partnership with Nike. However, she wasn’t alone in this impressive crowd as she joined big names like Caitlin Clark and Bronny James.

Now, as she steps deeper into the spotlight, this new deal solidifies her status as a rising star. And with Caitlin Clark now shining in the WNBA, many expect JuJu Watkins to be the next face of women’s college basketball. Her 27.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game as a freshman, and now this Nike deal are a reflection of this future possibility.

Stay tuned for more updates. Join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host, BG12, sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.