Some of the biggest names in the NBA have not represented their country on an international level for quite some time and it seems Nike may have a solution. LeBron James last played for the Stripes and Stars in 2016 and Kevin Durant was last seen in the 2020 Olympics.
With the 2024 Olympics approaching soon the question arises if any of these players would return for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Well, Robert Horry seems to believe that the sportsgear giant Nike may have the answer to these questions.
Former NBA star drops bombshell on Nike’s grip on Team USA’s future
Former retired NBA star Robert Horry recently dropped a bombshell revealing the control of Nike on the players it is associated with. Nike is arguably the prime brand when it comes to basketball and its accessories, and they have big names like LeBron James and Kevin Durant under their roster to keep up the dominance in the sportswear market.
Recently on the Big Shot Bob podcast, the seven-time NBA champion revealed that LeBron and Kevin could play for the 2024 Olympics in Paris if Nike would step in. During the podcast, Horry said, “Hey, it depends on what Nike says.” He further elaborated, “If Nike tells those two guys to get their a**** out there and we are gonna give you X amount of dollars, they are going out there.”
Big Shot Bob’s statements show us how much of an influence these sports companies have on players and their decisions. Well, it’s not guaranteed whether LeBron or Kevin would participate if “The Jumpman” stepped in but according to Horry, it remains the most obvious case.
How much is LeBron and Durant’s Nike contract?
Kevin Durant and LeBron James have been with Nike for a long time and have established themselves as a star for that brand selling a record number of shoes released under their names. The exact contract details of the stars with Nike are unknown but it is estimated to be rather lucrative.
LeBron James is estimated to have signed a deal worth over $1 Billion while Kevin Durant is estimated to have signed one worth $300 million. Both the stars have signed lifetime contracts with the sports giant, LeBron in 2016 and Durant in 2021. This makes their deals among the highest-paid endorsement deals in the world.
Apart from Nike, the popularity of both these athletes has entitled them to sign with many renowned outlets including Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, and Beats by Dre. These deals when accumulated together place them among the highest-paid athletes in the world.
What do you think of Robert Horry’s statement on Nike and its control over players? Do you think LeBron and Kevin should play at the 2024 Olympics after all? We are eager to know your thoughts, so drop down in the comments and share your take.
