Norris Cole, a two-time NBA champion with the Miami Heat, recently shared an intriguing story about his former teammate LeBron James. During an appearance on the “Club 520” podcast, Cole recounted how a casual workout session at LeBron’s house led to him landing an endorsement deal with Nike, highlighting the immense influence James wields both on and off the court.
“I worked out with Bron a couple of times ’cause he’s from Ohio, so I went to the crib. And it’s funny—I worked out in some Adidas, bruh. I walked into that man’s house in some D Rose Adidas, and he looked at me crazy.:
“One of his homies was like, ‘Why you wearing Adidas?’ I said, ‘Because they’re gonna pay me—they’re giving me the contract.’ He said, ‘Bro, what they paying you?’ And I looked at him, and he said, ‘No seriously, what are they paying you?”
“Like, the next day, a guy from Nike said, ‘Hey Norris, yeah, so what’s your—’ He didn’t even say ‘How you doing?’ or nothing. Just, ‘Yeah, Norris, so what’s your contract with Adidas? What do we need to do to sign you over?”
“Send us your numbers so we can get that taken care of. I was like, ‘Cool, check your phone—I’m gonna text you my contract. Just give me this,’ and that’s what they did.”
One of LeBron’s friends questioned Cole about his choice, asking why he was wearing Adidas. Cole explained that he had a contract with the company, to which the friend inquired about the details of the deal. The conversation seemed casual at the time, and Cole didn’t think much of it.
However, the very next day, Cole received a call from a representative at Nike. The person on the other end didn’t waste any time with pleasantries, immediately asking about the terms of his contract with Adidas and what it would take to bring him over to Nike. Astonished by the sudden interest, Cole provided the details, and Nike promptly matched the offer, effectively signing him to a new endorsement deal.
The swift action taken by Nike was a testament to LeBron’s sway in the industry. Without directly intervening, James had facilitated a significant opportunity for his young teammate, simply by expressing his disapproval of Cole’s allegiance to a competing brand.
Coming out of Cleveland State University, Norris Cole entered the NBA as a relatively unknown prospect. Drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 2011 and immediately traded to the Miami Heat, Cole found himself alongside some of the league’s biggest stars, including LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. The 6-foot-2 guard quickly embraced his role on the team, contributing to Miami’s back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013.
In the summer of 2011, the NBA lockout provided an unexpected opportunity for players to bond and train together outside the usual team environment. Being from Dayton, Ohio, just a couple of hours away from LeBron’s hometown of Akron, Cole was invited to join James for a workout at his residence. Eager to make a good impression and improve his game, Cole accepted the invitation without hesitation.
Unaware of the unwritten rules regarding brand loyalty among NBA superstars, Cole arrived at LeBron’s home wearing a pair of Adidas sneakers, specifically the Derrick Rose signature line. This choice of footwear did not go unnoticed. LeBron, who had a massive endorsement deal with Nike since entering the league, gave Cole a perplexed look upon seeing the rival brand on his feet.
LeBron James’ relationship with Nike is well-documented. Signing a $90 million deal straight out of high school, and later securing a lifetime contract reportedly worth over a billion dollars, James is one of the company’s most valuable endorsers. His ability to influence the careers of those around him extends beyond the basketball court and into the realms of business and marketing.
For Norris Cole, the experience was eye-opening. It wasn’t just about switching sneaker brands; it was a lesson in the dynamics of the NBA and the business acumen required to navigate it successfully. Cole’s encounter with LeBron highlighted how connections and mentorship can significantly impact a player’s career trajectory.
Norris Cole’s anecdote offers a glimpse into the profound impact LeBron James has on his teammates and the broader basketball community. Beyond his on-court achievements, James possesses a unique ability to open doors and create opportunities for others. Cole’s story is a testament to the power of influence, the importance of brand alignment in professional sports, and the unexpected ways in which mentorship can manifest.
LeBron’s reaction to Cole’s Adidas sneakers wasn’t just about brand loyalty; it was a subtle push to guide a young player toward greater professional opportunities. As Cole reflected on the incident, he gained a deeper appreciation for the business side of the NBA and the importance of aligning oneself with the right partners.
In the end, what might have been an awkward moment turned into a pivotal point in Cole’s career, all thanks to a casual workout session and the watchful eye of a teammate who recognized the potential for something greater.
