LeBron James’ $90 million Nike contract dragged by ESPN insider after ‘hypocritical’ statement

ESPN panel breaks down 40-year-old LeBron James' controversial remarks about being the face of the league.

LeBron James’ $90 million Nike contract dragged by ESPN insider after ‘hypocritical’ statement

LeBron James ripped over his take of not wanting to be the next Michael Jordan

LeBron James may have dragged himself into controversy after his recent comment on the “face of the league.” During the 2025 All-Star media day, Anthony Edwards made a bold statement, essentially saying he doesn’t want to be the face of the NBA. In response, James concurred, and questioned who would want to be the face of a dying league where the people covering the game “talk sh*t” about everybody.

ESPN’s crew sat down to discuss whether James truly meant what he said. James mentioned that he “didn’t ask” to be the face of the league, at which ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, aka The LeBron Whisperer, dismissed it as a bluff. To dismantle James’ argument, Windy raised questions as to why LBJ chose to wear number 23, and sign with Nike over Reebok and Adidas.

He chose to wear 23. He also said I never asked to be the face of the league. Of course, he asked to be the face of the league. He signed a $90 million Nike contract. Why? Because of Jordan.

Brian Windhorst via ESPN First Take
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Windhorst also hauled James’s Nike contract deal into the argument. LeBron James was one of the first to sign a shoe deal with Nike straight out of high school. In 2003, he inked a $90 million, seven-year fully guaranteed deal, which was the highest rookie contract in place at the time.

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Despite being offered more money by Reebok, James went with Nike because of its legacy and history with Michael Jordan. Being the face of the NBA is the reason why James has reached the Billionaire status, especially after signing a rare lifetime deal with the Nike, speculated to be over $1 billion.

Gilbert Arenas argues that “the next Michael Jordan” is the most undesirable title

Retired player, Gilbert Arenas, made a special appearance on ESPN alongside Stephen A Smith and Brian Windhorst. During his time, he talked about the Anthony Edwards-Lebron James comments on being the “next face of the NBA”. While defending James, Gilbert Arenas argued that being labeled as “the next Michael Jordan” is a career killer due to the high expectations it brings with it.

The worst thing to be called, is the next Michael Jordan, it is a career ruiner.

Gilbert Arenas on ESPN First Take

Arenas continued by explaining to Stephen A. Smith why he needs to tone down his criticism of LeBron James. He highlighted how, during the golden era of the NBA, talents like Shaquille O’Neal and Michael Jordan were pushed and lauded by the league. However, he argued that the narrative surrounding the league’s athletes in the media lately has remained mostly negative.