Follow us on Google Discover One former Miami Heat player’s single meeting with LeBron James made him change allegiances.
LeBron James is currently in the twilight years of his NBA career as he prepares to play for the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2026-27 season.
With James nearing the silver jubilee in the NBA, it’s obvious that the 41-year-old has developed some major influence.
Be it in the NBA or with Nike, as he has spent his entire career with the iconic sneaker brand. But how much influence does James have within Nike? It was proven by a 2024 revelation from former Miami Heat player Norris Cole.
Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty ImagesNorris Cole once recalled how LeBron James made him switch to Nike from Adidas
During a 2024 appearance on the Club 520 podcast, Cole recalled a story from his Heat days. At the time, Cole was all set to become an Adidas athlete, but just one single meeting with LeBron James led to him betraying the three stripes.
“I worked out with Bron a couple times because he’s from Ohio, so I went to the crib. I walked into that man’s house in some D-Rose Adidas, and he looked at me crazy. That’s how I got my Nike deal,” Cole began.
Cole continued, “One of his homies was like, ‘Why are you wearing Adidas?’ I said, ‘Because they’re going to pay me. They’re giving me the contract.’
“He said, ‘Bro, what are they paying you? Whatever they’re paying you, a guy’s going to call you tomorrow.’ I’m like, ‘Whatever.’”
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What Cole revealed next showed James’ insane influence on the Swoosh brand’s decisions related to NBA athletes.
“We finished the workout, and a guy from Nike called me the next day and said, ‘Hey, what do you want for us to switch you over?’ I should have upped it some.
“I just sent him the straight contract that Adidas gave me, and I switched to Nike the next day. That’s when I realized cats got real influence out here,” Cole concluded.
Considering James is among the faces of Nike, it’s no surprise that the brand was quick to react and offered a contract to Cole. There was nothing Adidas could do, as Cole had no reason to turn down the Swoosh brand.
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