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Nike to Release JuJu Watkins’ LeBron NXXT Gen Shoe Wednesday

✇Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

Back in February, USC women’s basketball star JuJu Watkins announced she would be co-creating a shoe within the Nike LeBron NXXT Gen line. Now, Watkins’ Nike LeBron NXXT Gen By JuJu “Silver Lining” color way will be officially released on Wednesday, May 27.

Nike teased the release of the shoe in a new video on Friday.

Watkins signed her first endorsement deal with Nike as a high school senior in 2022. Then, the superstar re-signed one of the most lucrative, multiyear endorsement deals in women’s basketball with the brand in 2024.

With the “Silver Lining” color way, Watkins is the first athlete to co-create a shoe as part of the NXXT series.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has shown his support for Watkins’ collaboration with Nike. On Friday, he supported the brand’s teaser video for the shoe, and James wore the shoes in a game against the Golden State Warriors in February.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena.
Feb 7, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

“JuJu is a great ambassador of today’s game, and this shoe gives her one more tool to chart her own path on and off the court,” James said in a press release. “Nike footwear has been another way for me to share my story with athletes and fans around the world, so it’s exciting to share the NXXT Gen platform with JuJu for a shoe that will inspire a new generation of hoopers to put in the work and believe in themselves.” 

The shoe is set to drop at 7 am PT on the Nike SNKRS app and select retailers in-store and online. The retail price is set at $170.

Watkins Is Returning After Tearing ACL

Watkins missed the entire 2025-26 season recovering from an ACL tear she suffered in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. She will make her long-awaited return to the court this season with USC.

In the teaser video, Watkins hinted that she has been preparing for an insane comeback next season.

“I may be out, but I’m still locked in,” Watkins said in the teaser. “They think my game is on ice, but I never stopped working.”

USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) during pregame warmups before an NCAA Tournament second round game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Galen Center.
Mar 24, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) during pregame warmups before an NCAA Tournament second round game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Photo Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

The post Nike to Release JuJu Watkins’ LeBron NXXT Gen Shoe Wednesday appeared first on LA Sports Report.

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