Lebron x Adidas? Lebron x Reebok?

In 2003, on the eve of the NBA draft lottery, LeBron James made a momentous decision. The teenage basketball prodigy, already known as "King James," signed his first endorsement deal with Nike. This groundbreaking contract was reportedly valued at $87 million, guaranteed over a seven-year period. Even now, this agreement stands as the most lucrative rookie shoe endorsement in basketball history 🤑

Before his high school graduation from St. Vincent-St. Mary's in Akron, James faced a hard decision. He received an offer from Adidas, the sponsor of his school's basketball team. The proposed deal was reportedly worth $100 million over a decade, but not all of it was guaranteed.

James also turned down Reebok’s offer of over $100 million 🤯

LeBron was an Adidas guy. They would’ve signed him if Adidas had come in with the offer they were supposed to. That’s crazy to think about 🫠

The individual's personality and narrative are most important. LeBron for sure had that from the beginning. It's the athlete's story behind the shoe that creates lasting narratives and maintains the product's relevance 🙌

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