"Nike suing their biggest cash cow" - NBA fans abuzz over Nike filing $60 million lawsuit on company customizing LeBron James' shoes

When athletes and celebrities like LeBron James need custom sneakers, many turn to Dominic Ciambrone, also known as the Shoe Surgeon. The influencer has made a name for himself and built quite a reputation for his one-of-a-kind sneaker designs while launching Shoe Surgeon Worldwide. Despite the success of his company, Ciambrone has reportedly been hit with a $60M lawsuit from Nike.

According to a report from Andrea Chang of the LA Times, Nike is taking the Shoe Surgeon to court over a custom pair of Nike LeBron 20 shoes the company commissioned him to create during the 2022-23 season for LeBron James.

At the time, Ciambrone created a one-of-a-kind design commemorating James' all-time NBA scoring record. The creation followed years of collaboration between him and Nike, with the brand even going so far as to hire him to create custom sneakers for Nike athletes in the past.

According to Nike, however, the relationship allegedly soured two years ago when the Shoe Surgeon began to ramp up production. As a result, Nike is accusing the artist and fashion designer of trademark infringement and several other infringements while seeking $60M in return.

NBA fans were quick to react to the news, with many floored by the lawsuit given that the Shoe Surgeon has become wildly popular among sports enthusiasts.

"Nike suing their biggest cash cow" - One wrote

"Nike’s just mad they ain't gettin a cut of the dank creation." - Another wrote

"I always wondered how he got away with making custom Nike products like that lol" - One wrote

"He’s gotta stop “selling” Nikes for profit. Do the work & call the money people give “donations”." - Another added

Others took aim at Nike for the lawsuit:

"L Nike" - One wrote

Looking further at the lawsuit Nike has filed against the Shoe Surgeon following his custom shoes for LeBron James

As the LA Times wrote on Tuesday, the custom pair of Nike LeBron 20 shoes commemorating LeBron James' all-time scoring record was commissioned by Nike specifically for LeBron James.

Seeking a one-of-a-kind design to commemorate the career milestone, the company hired the Shoe Surgeon, an artist and designer the company had worked with previously. In addition to hiring Ciambrone to create custom designs for Nike athletes, the company even hired him to teach a workshop in 2017.

Despite that, in July, the company hit the famed artist with a lawsuit, signaling that the relationship may be beyond repair. Although Nike is seeking $60M, the Shoe Surgeon would reportedly prefer to reach a resolution rather than meet Nike in court for a drawn-out legal battle.

In a statement relayed by the LA Times, the artist said he was blindsided by Nike's decision to file a lawsuit against him and was looking for a resolution that would suffice both sides.

On the flip side, Nike relayed to the Times that they have allegedly tried to work things out for the past two years. Given that, it's unclear whether the company will be receptive to discussions with Ciambrone.