JuJu Watkins Runs the Show in the LeBron NXXT Gen
Fearless. Explosive. Balanced.
JuJu Watkins plays at full speed, every possession. She needed a shoe that could keep up, so she helped create one. The LeBron NXXT Gen by JuJu is built to match the pace, control, and confidence that define her game. In the process, she became the first athlete to co create a basketball shoe within LeBron James’ NXXT Gen platform.
“Working with LeBron to co create a first is wild,” JuJu says. “It’s built for my game, my story. Shaping something to share with the next generation of hoopers means everything.”
JuJu partnered with Nike Basketball designers to focus on what matters most to her on court feel, durability, comfort, and cushioning. The look nods to her roots in Watts, Los Angeles, blending personal storytelling with a clean, modern edge.
The result is a shoe that balances responsiveness and bounce. It helps JuJu attack the rim, stop on a dime, and rise up from deep. Every detail is designed to let her control the floor.
A full length Nike React foam midsole delivers smooth, responsive cushioning for quick cuts in any direction. Two forefoot Air Zoom units add the pop needed for explosive plays. The flexible leather upper works with durable TPU support underneath to provide stability and comfort throughout the game. The overall build feels modern, with subtle classic touches.
JuJu made sure her personality shows up, too. The shoe features a premium jewel Swoosh, 16mm performance laces, double row stitching, and a quilted flower pattern on the interior collar and tongue. An embroidered “By JuJu” doodle sits on the back of the tongue as a personal stamp.
The launch colorway, Silver Lining, reflects JuJu’s journey. Inspired by her community, it represents finding light in tough moments. The materials catch light from different angles, a reminder that growth often comes through adversity.
Future colorways will continue to tell her story, with tributes to Watts and to her second home at the University of Southern California.
For LeBron, the project continues his commitment to lifting up the next generation. By opening the NXXT Gen platform to JuJu, he is spotlighting her as a defining voice in the future of the game.
“JuJu is a great ambassador for today’s game, and this shoe gives her another tool to chart her own path on and off the court,” LeBron says. “Nike footwear has always been a way for me to share my story with athletes and fans around the world. It’s exciting to share the NXXT Gen platform with JuJu and inspire the next generation to put in the work and believe in themselves.”
The LeBron NXXT Gen by JuJu launches globally this summer in the Silver Lining colorway on nike.com and at select retailers.
