Nike is easily one of the most popular apparel companies on Earth, and there is good reason for it. They are known for their quality products, and in recent news, the multinational corporation revealed the sneakers that the biggest basketball stars will be wearing during the 2015 All-Star Game. The shoes were created for the game's biggest names, including Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. However, Kobe will have to rock his pair on the streets, because he won't be playing after his recent shoulder surgery. Speaking of which, this recent injury is very indicative of a career-ending pattern.
Nike was originally founded in January of 1964, under the name of Blue Ribbon Sports. They didn't assume the name of Nike Inc. until May of 1971. The name Nike is actually the name of the Greek goddess of victory.
Since they took on their new identity, Nike has dominated the modern market.
Over the years, they have branded themselves with some of the most successful ventures possible. Some of these include: Nike Golf, Nike Pro, Nike+, Air Jordan, Nike Blazers, Nike Dunks and Nike Skateboarding.
Now, the company sponsors some of the biggest athletes in sports. According to Bleacher Report, Nike recently released their new designs for the 2015 All-Star game:
"With the 2015 NBA All-Star Game approaching, Nike has unveiled the sneakers that its biggest stars will wear during the spotlight game at Madison Square Garden. With a chance to showcase shoe lines on one of basketball's biggest stages, Nike has created special kicks for LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant. Unfortunately, the Black Mamba won't be playing in the game after recently undergoing rotator-cuff surgery."
It is interesting the Kobe will not be able to wear his specialty shoes in game. Based on reports by the LA Times, Kobe's track record of the last few years hasn't been great, and fans are starting to wonder if the Laker's star has reached his end:
"Kobe Bryant will be sidelined about nine months after undergoing surgery...to repair a torn rotator cuff, the Lakers announced. The surgery was performed by doctors Neal ElAttrache and Steve Lombardo of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic. Next fall will mark Bryant's 20th NBA season, in which he will make $25 million in the final year of his contract. Bryant, 36, has been unable to finish the Lakers' last three seasons...He played only 35 games this season, sitting out a total of eight so he could rest..."
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