Streamer N3on damages unreleased $30,000 LeBron James sneakers on Patrick Beverley's stream
As far as sneakers go, LeBron James is one of the bestselling athletes in the entire NBA. He's also a consummate professional, but even he might not take too kindly to the actions of one streamer.
AN3on, a streamer who once devoted his online content to NBA 2K, was caught on camera after supposedly damaging a very expensive sneaker:
In the video clip, N3on — whose real name is Mikyle Rafiq — is seen holding a shoe that is apparently an unreleased Nike LeBron worth $30,000. However, something seems off with the shoe's top; when N3on puts his hand on it, the top comes off, causing a long series of springs to emerge. As someone off camera comments "Damn," N3on says:
"Oh my God, Imma break it, Imma break it."
Former NBA player Patrick Beverley then steps into the frame, appearing to survey the damage on the shoe. "Um, it's good right?" asked N3on. Beverley assures him that everything is fine, but as soon as he says that, the top of the shoe comes off again, leaving the springs to fall to the ground.
Considering the content that the 20-year-old N3on has released in the past, this clip is one of the less explosive ones. The YouTube and Kick streamer has faked his death multiple times and even pretended to have COVID-19 soon after the pandemic hit.
There's no telling whether James will dignify this with a response, but it's likely that damaged specimens of unreleased sneakers are part of his endorsement strategy.
LeBron James is not above shutting some hecklers down
Lebron James comes across as rather affable and mild-mannered in his media appearances, but on the court, he knows when and where to turn up the heat.
Case in point: Early in the second quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers-Sacramento Kings game on Saturday, James harshly admonished a fan who appeared to be talking too much trash.
As Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray was taking a free throw, James — who briefly appeared on a corner of the screen — said retaliatory words that were picked up by the audio feed:
"Sip the f***ing beer and shut the f**k up!" yelled James as he got into rebounding position.
The Lakers went on to win the road game 103-99, allowing the King to have the last laugh.