NBA High-5: Lakers' tough guy act doesn't seem to be scaring anyone as losing streak grows to five

Hatfield's remarks are obviously bad news for LeBron's business sense -- if he wants to be a massive international brand, he probably shouldn't do anything to alienate the top basketball shoe designer in the world. But the amount to which you think this is a problem probably depends on what you think of LeBron, as is usually the case with all manners related to King James.

Nike Air Max LeBron 8 Black Metallic Gold

As you can imagine, Nike Dunk had its top shoe designer, the wonderfully named Tinker Hatfield, work with LeBron. Except, after dealing with LeBron's entourage, the legendary Hatfield decided the work wasn't worth the trouble. At a rare public appearance in Miami, he explained his decision.

Nike Dunk Mens Mid Pro SB Black Red

For instance, if you like LeBron, then it's possible to look at the decision to quit working with him as a sign that Hatfield has reached such great heights at Nike Air Max LeBron that he can pick and choose his projects as he wishes, opting to take those that have few distractions apart from the work at hand. However, if you don't like LeBron, then it's possible to think that his entourage must have been terribly annoying to make Nike's top designer quit their biggest project.

Nike Air Max LeBron James 7 MVP Black Red White

Since LeBron James(notes) stopped being a nominal amateur in the late spring of 2003, Nike Dunks Mid has acted as both witness and primary aide in the man's hopeful rise to global icon status. It's nurtured his brand, and the biggest part of that work has been his signature shoes.