LeBron NXXT Gen by JuJu Sets New Performance Standard

JuJu Watkins co-creates the LeBron NXXT Gen by JuJu, blending speed, style and innovation in a historic Nike Basketball release inspired by Watts

In a landmark collaboration with LeBron James, college basketball sensation JuJu Watkins has unveiled the LeBron NXXT Gen by JuJu, becoming the first athlete to co-create a performance basketball shoe within the LeBron NXXT Gen platform.

The release of the LeBron NXXT Gen by JuJu marks a defining moment not only for Watkins’ fast-rising career but also for Nike Basketball’s next-generation innovation strategy. Built to match her explosive pace and elite scoring ability, the shoe blends advanced cushioning, durability, and storytelling inspired by her upbringing in Watts, Los Angeles.

“Working with LeBron to co-create a first is wild,” Watkins said. “It’s built for my game, my story. Shaping something to share with the next generation of hoopers means everything.”

Built for Speed and Control

The LeBron NXXT Gen by JuJu is engineered to support Watkins’ downhill drives and confident shot creation. The silhouette features a full-length Nike React foam midsole designed for elite responsiveness, allowing quick cuts and seamless transitions on the hardwood. Two forefoot Air Zoom units provide explosive bounce, giving athletes lift whether attacking the rim or elevating for perimeter shots.

A flexible leather upper reinforced with durable TPU support enhances both stability and long-term wear. Together, these performance elements deliver the balance of court feel and propulsion that defines Watkins’ game.

Personal Story in Every Detail

Beyond performance, the LeBron NXXT Gen by JuJu reflects deeply personal design touches. The shoe includes a premium jewel Swoosh, 16mm performance laces, double-row stitching, and a quilted floral pattern lining the interior collar and tongue. An embroidered “By JuJu” doodle appears on the back of the tongue, reinforcing her hands-on creative role.

The debut “Silver Lining” colorway symbolizes resilience and community — values rooted in her Watts upbringing and strengthened during her time at the University of Southern California. The reflective surfaces bend light from different angles, representing growth through adversity.

A Shared Vision for the Future

For James, the collaboration represents mentorship in motion. By inviting Watkins into the NXXT Gen platform, he extends his legacy of empowering emerging athletes through innovation and storytelling.

“JuJu is a great ambassador of today’s game,” James said. “This shoe gives her one more tool to chart her own path.”

The LeBron NXXT Gen by JuJu will launch globally in the Silver Lining colorway this summer on Nike.com and at select retailers, signaling the arrival of a new generation ready to push the pace — possession by possession.