Sonny Vaccaro was a straight-up shoe kingpin. He was responsible for signing Michael Jordan to the greatest shoe deal in the history of basketball. But the way he got Kobe Bryant was far more impressive. Vaccaro apparently offered Kobe $48 million. In fact, he even gave Joe Bryant $150,000 to sign his son.
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When Bryant came back from overseas, Vaccaro was the first one to take note. He visited Bryant and was so impressed by his talent that he began hatching a plan to sign the youngster.
The former Nike executive even avoided going to Bryant’s school games to keep him hidden from rivals. The extent to which he was ready to go was clear from the money he offered Joe and Kobe.
Sonny Vaccaro gave Joe Bryant $48 million to sign Kobe Bryant
After Bryant’s tragic accident, Jeff Pearlman penned Three-Ring Circus: Kobe, Shaq, Phil, and the Crazy Years of the Lakers. As the name suggests, the book covered the Lakers of the 2000s and its stars. So, naturally, Kobe was a crucial part of the book.
Pearlman also wrote in detail about Bryant’s deal with Adidas. According to the critically acclaimed writer, Vaccaro connected an impressive plan to sign Kobe.
Apparently, the Bryant family wanted a ‘financial guarantee.’ Convinced by Vaccaro’s belief, Adidas offered the youngster $48 million along with an additional paycheck of $150,000 for Joe Bryant.
Pearlman: “The Bryant family wanted a financial guarantee, and Vaccaro and Adidas were willing to offer one. They would pay Kobe Bryant $48 million, provide another $150,000 to Joe Bryant, and make Kobe the face of Adidas. The sell, in a sense, was Michael Jordan. Bryant was told he would be the new Jordan—beginning with a signature shoe and a glitzy marketing campaign based around the concept “Feet You Wear.” It played to both his ego and his love of basketball history.”
adidas Crazy 97 “Kobe Vino” is available for over $25 off inside this limited-time deal: https://t.co/zNNJaAG6DD pic.twitter.com/CFrNUZhdql
— Kicks Deals (@KicksDeals) May 14, 2016
Vaccaro also ensured Kobe ended up playing for the Lakers
After ensuring the youngster would sign with Adidas, Vaccaro wanted to put him in LA to maximize the potential impact of the deal. Getting Bryant to play for the Lakers was the best marketing decision.
The Lakers had the 24th pick that season and Bryant, despite being a high school kid, was expected to go much higher. In fact, the New Jersey Nets were interested in a swingman and Bryant was a great option.
To drive the Nets away, Vaccaro spread the rumor that the high school kid was planning on going back overseas. This made New Jersey wary of Mamba and they passed on him. Jerry West made a deal with Charlotte and they picked Kobe Bryant at 13 and traded him to the Lakers. Kobe ended up being a Laker and Vaccaro got his latest endorsement to the heart of LA.
