TMZ Sports reports that Nike is showing “serious interest” in signing LaMelo Ball, brother of New Orleans Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball, to a shoe deal.

According to TMZ, while the Swoosh brand hasn't handed out a formal offer yet, they have a ton of interest in the youngest of the Ball brothers. In fact, scouts from Nike are reportedly in Australia watching LaMelo play for the Illawara Hawks in the National Basketball League (NBL).

However, the report says that the potential deal could get murky if Big Baller Brand (BBB) gets involved. The Ball patriarch, Lavar Ball, seems determined to resurrect his falling company. He will likely make LaMelo the face of the brand should the 18-year old continue with his outstanding play at the NBL so far.

Melo has garnered a lot of attention since he debuted at the professional Australian league. Many executives have turned their heads toward the 6-foot-6 guard, and his draft stock has been rising meteorically. In fact, some even believe he could be the potential top pick in the 2020 NBA draft.

Lonzo Ball, on the other hand, has disassociated himself from the brand his father founded after he found out that BBB executive Alan Foster had been allegedly stealing money from him and the company. Moreover, Lonzo believes the brand has been deteriorating and has no chance of recovering.

Lonzo, likewise, advised his brother to make his own decision whenever these lucrative shoe contracts come his way. The new Pelicans guard, drafted 2nd overall in 2017, didn't have much of a choice when he entered the NBA and instantly became a BBB endorser since day 1.