LeBron James was recently linked to Nike’s $200 billion fall in sales since November 2021. The popular sports brand reportedly made the direct-to-consumer pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic, as its online sales increased significantly. NBA analyst Jason Whitlock connected that slide in sales to James’ recent appearance on Bob Does Sports.
King James was featured in the latest episode of Bob Does Sports, a golfing content YouTube show, where he made waves with his statement on Memphis. However, Whitlock discussed a different aspect of James’ latest appearance, stating that he was on the show to rejuvenate the brand among fans.
When a user detailed Nike’s consistent fall in sales month-on-month, Whitlock reposted and wrote:
“The below post is why LeBron James took time out of his schedule to play golf and talk like a good-old-boy with a group of Florida rednecks. Nike is cooked. The company ran off the American base turning LeBron into Al Sharpton Lite. Memphis.”
As per the details in the post, Nike pulled its products from offline spaces like Foot Locker and Dick’s, which has allowed other brands to grab that opportunity. China’s sales numbers have also seen a major drop, with seven straight quarters of declining revenue.
The user declared the fall as “a slow-motion brand collapse.” Notably, the 4-time NBA champion is under a lifetime contract with the brand, a deal that was reportedly worth more than $1 billion.
LeBron James expresses his dislike for Memphis
On the same episode of Bob Does Sports, LeBron James was candid in his thoughts about Memphis as an NBA city. However, it’s not the first time someone from the NBA has spoken about it. Several athletes have expressed their opinions on Memphis and its infrastructure, including the Hyatt hotel and FedEx Forum.
While taking golf shots, LBJ advised shifting the Grizzlies to Nashville and said:
““Staying at the fu**ing Hyatt at 41 years old? You think I wanna do that sh**? Being in Memphis on a random ass Thursday? I’m not the first guy to talk about it in the NBA… You guys have to move. Go to Nashville, you got Vanderbilt, NASCAR, a stadium, a hockey team.”
LeBron James and the Lakers suffered a humiliating defeat to the OKC Thunder in the last game and now look forward to meeting the Dallas Mavericks. The team has already clinched a playoff spot.
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