LeBron James’ youngest daughter, Zhuri, created a social media stir when she appeared courtside wearing Adidas Sambas during her brother Bronny’s recent Summer League game. The 10-year-old’s choice of footwear stood out given LeBron’s extensive and lucrative partnership with Nike. The event took place at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas while Bronny played against the Dallas Mavericks.
Although LeBron James was absent from the game where his son Bronny faced Cooper Flagg—the top prospect for the 2025 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA Draft—his wife Savannah and daughter Zhuri cheered Bronny on. Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving, sidelined with an injury, also attended to observe Flagg.
The Cultural Impact of Zhuri’s Adidas Sambas
Zhuri’s Adidas Sambas attracted attention for more than just their appearance; the classic sneakers carry cultural weight. Originally designed as football shoes in the 1950s, Adidas Sambas evolved into iconic casual footwear. High-profile celebrities such as Rihanna, Bella Hadid, Emily Ratajkowski, Kaia Gerber, and A$AP Rocky have popularized the brand, highlighting its crossover appeal. In the 1990s, the British rock band Oasis, notably Noel and Liam Gallagher, helped cement the shoe’s status within mainstream culture.
Contrasting Footwear Choices Amid a Billion-Dollar Nike Partnership
Zhuri’s choice of Adidas raises eyebrows considering her father’s well-known and highly successful deal with Nike. LeBron James signed a lifetime contract with Nike in 2015, reportedly worth over $1 billion. This deal places James among other elite athletes like Kevin Durant and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have secured similar lifetime arrangements with the brand.
LeBron’s Nike signature line generates approximately $500 million annually, making it one of Nike’s top-performing basketball sneaker collections, second only to Michael Jordan’s Air Jordan series. James’ history with Nike dates back to 2003, when he accepted a seven-year contract worth $90 million shortly after being drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Nike has even drawn inspiration from Zhuri herself. The Nike LeBron 21 Violet edition, launched in 2023, reflects her vibrant personality and athletic ambitions, specifically her interest in volleyball.
What Might Have Been: Adidas’ Missed Opportunity with LeBron James
Before committing to Nike, LeBron was courted by several other major brands, including Adidas and Reebok. Adidas reportedly offered $70 million for a 10-year contract, with additional incentives, while Reebok’s offer was valued at $75 million.
The story deepens with Sonny Vaccaro, then an Adidas executive, who proposed a $100 million deal for James. However, Adidas’ headquarters in Germany rejected this, reducing the offer to $70 million. Vaccaro later left the company and described that decision as a significant error for Adidas.
LeBron’s Early Years with Adidas Before NBA Stardom
Interestingly, LeBron James frequently wore Adidas shoes during his high school career at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. His favored model was the Adidas TMAC 1, famously associated with NBA superstar Tracy McGrady. This personal history adds complexity to Zhuri’s choice to sport Adidas, a brand that once competed fiercely for her father’s endorsement.
LeBron’s entry into the NBA also saw his first signature sneaker: the Nike Air Zoom Generation, inspired by the Hummer H2 and designed by Aaron Cooper. His son Bronny has continued the family’s Nike connection by wearing the LeBron 20 model during his high school and University of Southern California basketball years.
Significance of Zhuri’s Footwear Choice in the Context of Family and Brand Loyalty
Zhuri James wearing Adidas Sambas during such a prominent summer basketball event generates interest beyond simple brand preference. It highlights the evolving dynamics of sports endorsements and family individuality, especially when juxtaposed against LeBron James’ long-standing, lucrative relationship with Nike. While LeBron remains deeply tied to Nike, Zhuri’s casual Adidas choice suggests personal style and cultural resonance can transcend corporate contracts.
This moment may spark broader conversations on how athlete families engage with competing brands, as well as how younger generations’ fashion choices reflect both heritage and independence. As Bronny advances in his basketball career, and Zhuri grows into her own identity, their footwear preferences could continue to capture public and media attention.