JuJu Watkins and Nike teamed up this week to launch and celebrate her own LeBron NXXT Gen PE. This is Nike’s first time launching an NIL PE in a community store ahead of NBA All-Star weekend in Los Angeles.
Photo: Nike/BIL
The LeBron NXXT Gen debuted in 2023, with early colorways featuring James’ birth year, “1984.” USC star and women’s basketball standout Watkins has designed her own PE, Nike LeBron NXXT Gen “Silver Lining” by JuJu Watkins.
Ballislife’s Frank Nitty and Nasir Core were present at Nike’s community event celebrating Watkins’ recent shoe collaboration with LeBron James. Showcasing the design on social media, the shoe features an upside-down Nike sign, “By JuJu” on the tongue, a “super luxurious inner liner,” and a jewel swoosh.
Nitty, a fellow Watts native and graduate of L.A. Jordan High School, spoke proudly of JuJu’s impact on the community.
“This shoe is fire,” said Nitty. “The tractions there, color there…. they bodied this man. This is one of them shoes that I’m like, ‘I can’t wait to get some buckets in.’ Shoutout JuJu Watkins, absolutely killed this. I’m proud of her. Watts native’s up, man.”
The store featured the slogan “Watts Made,” paying homage to the neighborhood where she grew up.
Nas & BIL pull up to Nike’s LeBron NXXT Gen by JuJu Watkins collab event in her hometown of Watts to tip off NBA All-Star Weekend! pic.twitter.com/eSG4kl9xaj
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) February 12, 2026
Watkins Teams up with LeBron James
Watkins was the first athlete to “co-create” within the LeBron NXXT Gen platform, according to Nike. Not only does this signal Nike’s continued investment in the next generation, but its commitment to further elevate women’s basketball. A Los Angeles native who attended Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) before enrolling at USC, Watkins teams up with LeBron as two of LA’s most influential hoopers, and continues to rise as one of the NCAA’s most popular NIL stars.
At the event, Watkins spoke about her collaboration with James and shared her vision behind the design.
“Definitely crazy. I’ve looked up to LeBron like my whole career. To have his support, for him to trust me to do something like this, I mean, it’s definitely surreal. I’ve always played in the Kobe 6s, so just trying to like have a shoe that’s classic, but also kind of flashy as well. So kind of just mixing everything together.”
On Wednesday, Nike and Watkins unveiled the PE in a launch that honored her LA roots, community, and family. The preheat took place at the Nike Community Door in Watts, California. Uniting the community, the event brought together not only some of her former Sierra Canyon teammates, but also the entire USC women’s basketball team.
JuJu Watkins, Nike Make History with First-Ever Community PE Launch
The release made history, with the Nike Community Door becoming the first to secure the sneaker. Watkins was named Gatorade National Girls Player of the Year in 2023 and became the first Sierra Canyon athlete to have his or her jersey retired. Sierra Canyon has produced 10 NBA players in the last decade, including L.A. Lakers Bronny James, and JUJu has quickly become one of the San Fernando Valley based school’s most notable graduates.
And with NBA All-Star weekend in L.A., her fame is only going to continue to grow.
Along with early access, the community had the opportunity to engage in several activations, including a “Watkins Court” hub. Events included “Queen of the Court,” a knockout competition in which the winner received a pair of NXXT Gen PEs from Watkins, as well as a product showcase. With local food vendors, DJs, and content creators present, JuJu served as the host who brought the local community and youth groups together.
Watkins, 20, signed a multi-year extension with Nike, one of the richest NIL sneaker deals in the brand’s history. A generational talent, the USC star completed her freshman season as the NCAA D-1 women’s basketball scoring leader (920).
The Trojans star is recovering from an ACL tear sustained last year. In 67 career games with USC, she’s averaged 25.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.7 blocks.
USC Women’s Basketball Team to Debut PE on Thursday
The launch came one day before the USC women’s basketball team debuts the Nike LeBron NXXT Gen “Silver Lining” shoe in its Big Ten Conference matchup with Indiana on Feb. 12. Not long ago, Watkins was seen gifting her newly designed PE to the entire team during practice.
“Hey guys, these are the NXXT Gen LeBron Silver Linings by me,” said Watkins in practice. “And of course, I had to get y’all right. Y’all are my girls.”
When teammates asked what the design meant, Watkins responded, “Silver lining, find your silver lining.”
With the 2026 NBA All-Star on the horizon, Nike plans to feature Watkins throughout the weekend, furthering its investment in the next generation of female athletes in LA.
Editor’s Note: Nike’s LeBron NXXT Gen by JuJu Watkins will be launched in March 2026.
Sara Jane Gamelli is the Managing Editor and Senior Staff Writer at Ballislife.com, as well as Director of Ballislife Bets. Follow her on X at @SaraJGamelli.
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