Lonzo Ball wore Adidas tonight in another subtle overture to partner with a major brand

For the second consecutive night, Lonzo Ball wore shoes that are not Big Baller Brand during NBA Summer League play.

On Wednesday night in Vegas, Ball sported Nike kicks, and the Lakers’ point guard followed that up with wearing Adidas shoes for Thursday night’s game. That’s despite having his own signature $495 (lol) shoe, the Big Baller Brand ZO2.

And Ball is actually playing better when he’s not wearing Big Baller Brand! Sure, this could just be that he’s improving with more playing time in the Summer League, but it’s certainly more fun to think it could be the shoes.

Ball put up a triple-double (16-10-12) in the Adidas shoes,  after putting up a 36-8-11 line in the Nike shoes.

After the game, ESPN’s Cassidy Hubbarth asked Ball about the shoe changes. He said how Big Baller Brand gives you the freedom to do whatever you want, and he’s “showcasing that.”

Sure, okay; that’s probably not what it is.

Hubbarth then asked Ball if he will wear Under Armour shoes on Saturday, and Ball responded with “Stay tuned.”

This sure seems like Lonzo’s way — with direction from LaVar, of course — of getting the attention of the shoe companies in hopes of getting a real, massive shoe deal. He definitely has people talking about these brands and that has to catch the eyes of Nike and Adidas, and perhaps Under Armour next.

[ESPN]