ESPN.com's Jeff Goodman noted NBA Draft prospect Lonzo Ball's Big Baller Brand shoes "were not on display" yesterday when he worked out for the Lakers. Instead, Ball "worked out" in Rockets G James Harden's signature Adidas shoe. Ball's ZO2 shoe "isn't in mass production yet." He said that his shoe is the "only shoe he plans on wearing in the NBA" (ESPN.com, 6/7).
GO YOUR OWN WAY: In Baltimore, Jeff Barker noted Under Armour yesterday introduced its new platform, UA ICON, "allowing customers to customize athletic shoes by uploading their own images and selecting prints and colors." Nike has a version of customized shoes and accessories called "NikeiD." UA's website "invites buyers to upload pictures or other images, shrink or grow them and select the position on which they will appear." It says that "orders placed now will be delivered in mid-July" (Baltimore SUN, 6/8).
TEXT & EAT: In DC, Scott Allen notes McDonald's released an ad for its "new mobile ordering option" featuring Wizards G John Wall and Capitals PA announcer Wes Johnson. In the ad, Johnson "provides play-by-play as Wall orders a Big Mac ... for curbside pickup on his phone." The 45-second spot was "shot last week" (WASHINGTON POST, 6/8).
HELMET HAIR: The AP noted former NFLer Peyton Manning will be "advising helmet manufacturer Riddell on product development." His insights will be used to "help inform the many aspects of helmet design and development for the company." He also will "work with the company as its first brand ambassador through its grass-roots initiative 'Smarter Football.'" NFL players are "allowed to choose their own helmets" (AP, 6/7).
