Young LeBron James rejected a higher paying contract than Nike.

LeBron James

LeBron James is one of the most influential athletes on the planet. Rocking with the swoosh since the very start, James has a lifetime contract with Nike worth $1 billion. Young LeBron James had endorsement deals coming in from all directions.

Brands like Adidas, Reebok, and others tried signing the 18-year-old, though in the end, James chose to go with Nike.

Fans don’t exactly know how LeBron handled these deals while still a teen. Steve Stoute, who pitched LeBron James, shared the story of the teen turning down $10 million from Reebok.

James didn’t come from a decent household, as his mother worked multiple jobs to support him. For him to reject the 8-figure check was truly a moment of surprise for everyone in the room.

Stoute said:

This is huge, we're gonna sign LeBron James. We leave the room, we come back. When he leaves the cheque and says he's going to take other meetings, I clap... I clapped and it was my idea that it didn't work. It meant so much... The freedom and confidence and belief in yourself to do that. This is a new generation of individuals.

Steve Stoute said

At the time James was the most hyped prospect in the history of NBA, and even had his high school game broadcasted on national television. Looking at his personality and how handled meetings related to endorsements, Stoute was nothing short of impressed as he applauded James’ decision.

Reebok tried signing LeBron James with a 9-figure contract

In May 2003, James had three endorsement deals on the table. Nike, Adidas, and Reebok offered James contracts worth millions of dollars. Adidas came up with a $60 million contract, whereas Reebok was ready to sign James with a contract worth $115 million. Clearly, Reebok tried its best to sign the teenager, having no limits on the zeroes printed on the cheque.
LeBron James (Credits: Times Now)
Though LeBron and Nike teamed up once and for all, initially signing the youngster for $87 million. Now having a lifetime contract, James and Nike have come a long way, with 21 editions of LeBrons released in the past 21 years. After Michael Jordan, Nike found its new ambassador in no time.

Nike has come even closer to the James family, after the brand signed an NIL deal with James Jr. LeBron’s dream of playing with his son in the NBA will be James’ last season in the league, and to see them both in Nike will be a one of a lifetime feat. It will be interesting to see Nike pass on the endorsement deal to yet another James.