Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James played a big role in Nike developing a signature shoe for Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving back in the day.
James, who signed a lifetime contract with Nike in 2015, told Allie Clifton and Richard Jefferson on the “Road Trippin'” podcast that he made sure the sports apparel company would make Irving one of their signature athletes due to the way he played the game of basketball.
“The kid gets a signature shoe from Nike, which we know there's a small [group]. I mean, out of all the players that's played in our league, out of all the players that's been with Nike, there's not many signature guys,” James said, via ESPN.
“And I was like, ‘That is a signature guy. Because not only is it his ability, what he does on the floor. Not only with his size. And his handle. His handle — kids love that. He's going to have a following. That is a signature guy.'
“So I was like, I told my guys at Nike, ‘Yes, if this is what you guys are thinking, stop f—ing thinking. He's a signature guy. There's nothing to think about.'”
LeBron James and Kyrie Irving were teammates for three seasons on the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite playing in three straight Finals and winning the 2016 title over the Golden State Warriors together, the two superstars had a so-so relationship.
Irving requested a trade from the Cavs in the summer of 2017 because he was tired of playing second fiddle to James. Cleveland wound up trading Uncle Drew to the Boston Celtics.
James has said a few times that Irving's trade request was the beginning of the end of his second run with the Cavs. LeBron signed with the Lakers in the offseason of 2018 and won his fourth title last season over the Miami Heat in six games.
The Lakers are scheduled to host the Nets on Feb. 18 at Staples Center. That game will certainly be a lot of fun since it will feature James, Anthony Davis, Irving and Kevin Durant.
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