Bronny James Unveils Signature Nike Logo During Emotional Cleveland Homecoming
When the Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 28, 2026, the atmosphere at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse was charged with nostalgia and deep emotion. This wasn't merely another NBA game—it represented a historic family moment as LeBron James returned to his basketball roots alongside his son, Bronny James, creating a rare father-son duo in professional basketball history.
A New James Legacy Begins with Nike Partnership
Adding to the significance of the occasion, Bronny James chose this moment to debut his signature logo with Nike, signaling the beginning of what many are calling a second James empire in the sports industry. This move echoes his father's legendary path—LeBron signed a groundbreaking $90 million deal with Nike before his 2003 NBA debut and later secured a lifetime contract in 2015 that reshaped athlete endorsements.
During the highly anticipated Cleveland matchup, observers noticed Bronny wearing his own customized Nike LeBron Witness 9 PE sneakers featuring his distinctive new logo prominently displayed on the back of the shoes. The design showcases a stylized "b" on the heel with a cleverly integrated "j" that also resembles the number 9—a dual-purpose detail that honors both the James family name and Bronny's current #9 Lakers jersey number.
Exclusive Design and Technical Specifications
This player-exclusive edition remains unavailable for public purchase, maintaining its special status as part of Bronny's personal brand launch. The Nike LeBron Witness 9 model itself represents cutting-edge athletic footwear technology, featuring:
- ReactX form midsole providing 13% more responsive cushioning than previous versions
- Extra durable-rubber outer layer for enhanced performance and longevity
- Crown shape design beneath the heel, a signature element in LeBron's shoe line
Building on a Family Legacy with Nike
Bronny's relationship with Nike has been developing for years, beginning with a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal signed in October 2022—long before he stepped onto an NBA court. The partnership deepened in September 2023 when Nike released a replica of Bronny's USC jersey, and now with his own logo debut, speculation is growing about how this relationship will evolve as his career progresses.
"For as long as I can remember, Nike's been a part of my family," Bronny reflected after his NIL agreement. "To debut my own logo here, where everything started for my dad, is a dream I can't even put into words."
Emotional Father-Son Moment in Cleveland
The timing of Bronny's logo reveal was particularly poignant given Cleveland's sentimental value to the James family legacy. LeBron became visibly emotional when discussing sharing the court with his son while his mother watched from the stands.
"Like, I don't even know how to even, like, wrap that all in one in my brain," LeBron expressed. "It's so weird. It's so cool. And so surreal. My mom gets to watch her son and grandson play in the NBA at the same time. Man, I actually just started to think how insane that is."
Despite the Lakers suffering a 99-129 blowout loss to the Cavaliers, the arena atmosphere remained thick with respect and appreciation for LeBron's monumental contributions to both Cleveland and the NBA throughout his storied career. The game ultimately served as a backdrop to a much larger story about family, legacy, and the next generation of basketball excellence.
