When the Los Angeles Lakers drafted Lonzo Ball with the second overall pick, much of the discussion surrounding the UCLA product was regarding off-the-court details.
Ball became a topic of national discussion in part because of his father’s brevity in creating the Big Baller Brand as his son’s sponsor rather than sticking with the traditional route of repping Nike, Adidas, or Under Armour.
Lonzo Ball wore Big Baller Brand sneakers his entire rookie season and after Summer League, it became less of a story as his play on the court dominated the headlines. But that doesn’t mean that BBB is not still very much a relevant topic.
In the last week of the regular season, New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Crawford made some waves by becoming the first NBA player other than Ball to wear BBB sneakers on the court. As it turns out, Crawford’s decision was more than just a fashion choice as Yahoo Sports’ Shams Charania reports that Crawford and BBB are nearing agreement on a partnership.
The company is expected to send Crawford new merchandise, including shoes, this week for the NBA playoffs. Crawford became the first NBA player — besides Los Angeles Lakers guard Lonzo Ball — to wear the brand this season and has continued to do so in the postseason. At this point it isn’t a normal endorsement deal for Crawford, but he would sign a contract with Big Baller Brand down the line that would allow him to be under the brand yet have the freedom to pursue his own personal endeavors.
Crawford is not a star power signing for the small sports merchandise brand. However, his signing could have major effects in eliminating the stigma around LaVar Ball and BBB.
Crawford’s signing could be a catalyst in more players joining BBB in lieu of more lucrative offers from Nike and Adidas as many of them have already spoken about their admiration for the Balls’ independence on the matter.
