Kyrie Irving Ends Nike Contract, Shows Off The Ethics LG Two

Dallas Mavericks fans were undoubtedly disappointed by the absences of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving during the March 11 match against the Memphis Grizzlies. Sidelined by minor injuries, both star guards had to sit out the game. 

Even so, Irving still managed to show up and make headlines, but for a somewhat unexpected reason. If you haven’t heard the news yet, let’s just say that we probably won’t see Kyrie Irving in a pair of Nike Kyrie Low 5s any time soon. 

Source: https://twitter.com/nicekicks/status/1634665210999984128

What are we talking about? Before the Saturday night game, Irving caused a bit of a buzz by appearing in Ethics LG Two basketball shoes. Although unable to play due to a thigh injury, he received a fair bit of pre-game attention for his striking footwear. 

For those taking notes, it was the first time that Irving had worn anything other than Nikes, which he had endorsed throughout his professional career. The fact that he wore a previously little-known brand from a company named “Ethics” also didn’t escape attention. 

Referring to Ethics’ head honcho, Langston Galloway, Irving said: “I wanted to show him some love.” 

Source: https://twitter.com/ethicsthebrand/status/1634648881748213761

The LG Two is only the second signature line from Ethics, and isn’t available on the company’s website yet. But based on the prices of the company’s previous models, it’s safe to say that the LG Two will list for around $120 to $150. 

Who Makes the Ethics LG Two? 

The LG Two is made by Ethics, the company founded and owned by NBA player Langston Galloway and his wife, Sabrina Stansberry.

The company’s slogan is “Ethics are a personal choice. Anywhere and everywhere.”

The LG Two is the latest in the company’s line of signature basketball shoes, the first being the Ethics LG1. Released in January 2022, the LG1 first caught the public’s eye in the first game of the 2021 NBA Finals, when Galloway himself wore them while playing for the Phoenix Suns. 

For Galloway, the LG1 and the Ethics brand are more than just performance models. Instead, they symbolize the player’s passion and dedication to basketball.

According to Galloway: “My work ethic has gotten me to this point in my career. But the ethics started since I was a kid to becoming a grown-up, living out my life and living out my dreams.” 

Galloway intended the LG1 to be accessibly priced for younger players. Consequently, they were priced from $100 to $120.

Who is Langston Galloway?

Langston Galloway is an American basketball player who currently plays for the College Park Skyhawks. The team is the NBA G League’s affiliate of the Atlanta Hawks. In college, Galloway played for Saint Joseph’s University.

Galloway’s professional basketball career began in 2014, when he played with the Westchester Knicks. After two months, he signed with the New York Knicks for two 10-day contracts, and then a 2-year deal as an undrafted player. His performance earned him a spot in the NBA’s All-Rookie Second Team. 

Galloway joined the New Orleans Pelicans in 2016, and then the Sacramento Kings in 2017. He joined the Detroit Pistons later in the same year, signing a $21 million contract for three years. 

In 2020, Galloway signed up with the Phoenix Suns, and remained with the team until 2021. This was the same year he played for the College Park Skyhawks. He later played for the Brooklyn Nets and the Milwaukee Bucks before returning to College Park.

In 2022, Galloway signed a one-year non-guaranteed deal with the Indiana Pacers. After being waived, he rejoined the Skyhawks and remains with the team at present. 

What Basketball Shoes did Kyrie Irving Wear Previously?

Prior to showing up in the Ethics LG Two, Irving has always worn Nikes on the court. This began in high school and college, and continued throughout his stint in the NBA. Irving’s sponsorship and development contract with Nike began in 2011. 

FAQ:

Who makes the Ethics LG Two? 

The Ethics LG Two is manufactured by Ethics. The company was founded by Langston Galloway and his wife, Sabrina Stansberry.

Was THERE an LG1?

The LG Two is the latest signature model from Ethics. The company released the LG1 in January 2022, when it was debuted by Ethics founder and owner Langston Galloway. The signature shoe was introduced during the first game of the 2021 NBA Finals, when Galloway was playing with the Phoenix Suns as a guard.

How Long had Kyrie Irving Been Using Nike Shoes? 

Kyrie Irving had been wearing Nike basketball shoes since high school and college. He signed with the company upon joining the NBA in 2011. 

The Kyrie Irving signature sneaker line was launched in 2014. Notable for its striking appearance and advanced technology, it quickly achieved widespread popularity among basketball fans and Irving’s fellow athletes. 

In 2021, Nike announced that Irving’s signature line would no longer be produced and that his contract would not be renewed after the end of the 2022-2023 season. The contract was suspended in November 2022. 

Why did Kyrie Irving’s Contract with Nike end?

In 2021, Irving claimed that he was excluded from contributing to the design of his eighth signature Nike shoe. The company later announced that Irving’s signature line would be discontinued and that his contract would not be renewed after the end of the 2022-2023 season. The planned launch of Irving’s ninth and final signature shoe, the Kyrie 8, also did not push through.

Nike and the basketball star parted ways in November 2022. The company chose to distance itself from Irving after the latter made a series of remarks that the company found objectionable. 

A statement released by Nike read: “At Nike, we believe there is no place for hate speech (…) We are deeply saddened and disappointed by the situation and its impact on everyone.” 

The controversy stems from statements made by Irving on social media, which was deemed anti-Semitic by some sectors. The player subsequently took responsibility for the statements, but stopped short of apologizing. The Nets and Irving later pledged to donate each $500,000 to anti-hate causes. 

Has Kyrie Irving Ever Used any Other Brand of Basketball Shoes Professionally?

Apart from Nikes, Kyrie Irving has never used any other brand of shoe during professional games. Even after the split with Nike, Irving continued to wear older models from his Nike signature line. However, the trademark Nike swooshes were concealed by black tape, upon which were written: “I AM FREE/Thank You God…I AM” and “Logo Here.”

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