JuJu Watkins Praises 'Idol' LeBron James for Nike Shoe Collab, Updates Knee Injury Recovery

USC star JuJu Watkins didn't take the honor lightly when she was afforded the chance to collaborate with the Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James for her own LeBron NXXT Gen sneaker, which is reportedly expected to be released this summer.

"LeBron has been a role model of mine since I've started basketball, not only as a player, but as a person," she told The Athletic's Jason Jones. "To have him trust me with this process and trust my creative skills, to be really supportive, believe in me for the player I am … it's just insane to have your idol feel that way towards you. I'm honestly so grateful for him for taking that chance and giving me this opportunity."

Nike first unveiled the "Silver Lining" colorway in February and touted some of the small design features that were directly added through Watkins' input.

That symbolized how big of a star Watkins has become and how much she's likely to continue driving the conversation in women's basketball.

For now, the junior is still reduced to watching her team from the bench. She hasn't fully recovered from the torn ACL she suffered during the 2025 NCAA tournament.

"I'm in a really good place," Watkins said of her ongoing journey back to the court. "Just being able to pour into my teammates and having such a strong support system, that's got me through this moment and through this time. I'm continuing to go through it, but not taking any day for granted. Trying to get out there as soon as I can, but also listening to my body. I'm still growing as a player, even though I'm not out there."

She added she's "pretty far along" physically.

"It's been a long time since my injury, so I continue to attack every day," she said. "The shoe, it's just extra motivation. Working out in something you created, I think it's insane. I can't wait to get out on the court and actually play in it."

USC has struggled in Watkins' absence. The Trojans went 17-13 during the regular season, a far cry from only losing four games in 2024-25. While they're through to the second round of the tournament, a matchup with top-seeded South Carolina awaits Monday night.

Assuming a second-round exit beckons, the program is poised to bounce back in a big way.

True freshman Jazzy Davidson is averaging team highs in points (18.0), rebounds (5.7), assists (4.2), steals (2.0) and blocks (2.0). Coach Lindsay Gottlieb has assembled a star-studded recruiting class that features Sara Okeke, Saniyah Hall and Sitaya Fagan. And Watkins, a national player of the year honoree in 2024-25, will return to the fold.

The Trojans are bound to be one of the favorites for the 2027 championship.