USC star JuJu Watkins has just taken the biggest step of her career-and it happened off the court. Despite being sidelined with an injury, Watkins has continued to advance his career, debuting a highly anticipated collaboration with none other than LeBron James.
The 2025-2026 NCAA season didn’t go as Watkins had hoped. Sidelined for the entire season with a torn ACL, the Trojans’ star guard had to settle for supporting the team from the bench.
All this after a dream 2025 season, in which he averaged:
- 33.8 minutes
- 23.9 points
- 42.6% field goal percentage
- 6.8 rebounds
- 3.4 assists
Despite USC’s loss to the South Carolina Gamecocks, the launch of her signature sneakers has been a defining moment in her career.
LeBron x JuJu x Nike
This week, Watkins and Nike unveiled the LeBron NXXT Gen Silver Lining, a collaboration between Watkins and the Los Angeles Lakers superstar.
The release had been generating buzz since James debuted the shoes on court in February. Now, fans of both King James and JuJu can finally get their hands-or rather, their feet-on them.
The Silver Lining marks the first collaboration between the NXXT Gen line and a female athlete, representing not only a milestone for Watkins but also a breakthrough for young female athletes everywhere.
Priced at $170, the sneakers will be available worldwide through Nike.com, Foot Locker, DSG, and Hibbett, further cementing Watkins’ status as an elite athlete.
High-performance footwear with deep meaning
According to Nike, the name and metallic silver design pay tribute to Watkins’ resilience, particularly her recovery from an ACL injury in 2025.
The sneakers also feature personal touches, including “by JuJu” embroidery on the tongue and a quilted floral interior pattern.
With Nike React foam midsoles and Air Zoom units, the shoes deliver professional-level performance while appealing to casual players alike.
