J.R. Smith Signs NIL Deal with LuluLemon

When NIL was approved I’m not sure J.R. Smith is someone who people thought would be benefiting from it, but here we are. Smith is a former NBA player who played for 5 teams during a career that spanned 17 seasons. Smith originally signed with the Hornets in 2004 after they drafted him 18th overall straight out of High School. Smith perhaps most notably was a member of the 2016 Cavs that won the city of Cleveland their first title since 1964. 

Smith is in his second semester of college and is a member of the North Carolina A&T golf team. Smith has reportedly signed an NIL with Lululemon, becoming the companies first male golf ambassador. Smith is represented by Excel Sports Management for matters dealing with NIL. It was just last year that college athletes could start benefiting from their name, image and likeness. Like I said before I don't think the rule chance was designed for someone like him, but good for him nonetheless. Smith hasn’t played in the NBA since 2020, but it’s safe to say he’s off to a good start in the next chapter of his life.