LeBron James is looking for his next NBA home. And Ohio State is making its pitch — in cleats.
The Buckeyes football program took to Instagram on Wednesday with a post that was equal parts joke and recruiting pitch. The image showed a pair of shoes that mashed up basketball sneakers with football cleats. The caption read: “The cleats are ready. Just say the word.”
It was directed at James, who grew up in Akron, Ohio and has been a visible Buckeyes fan for years. He’s shared love for the program before, including during their national championship run in 2024.
Obviously, this isn’t real. James is 40 years old and hasn’t played organized football since his freshman year at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. He went straight from prep hoops to the NBA in 2003 and never played college ball at all. He’s not eligible for college football. But the gesture plays on a fun bit of shared Ohio fandom.
James opted out of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers at the end of June, making him a free agent for the first time since 2018. The Lakers had him for six seasons, including that 2020 bubble championship. Now he’s weighing options.
Reports have linked James to two main suitors. The Cleveland Cavaliers have been mentioned as a possible return spot. He won a title there in 2016. The Golden State Warriors are also reportedly in the mix, which would pair him with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. LeBron has said publicly he wants to compete for at least one more ring before he hangs it up.
A program that knows how to have fun
Ohio State football just won the 2024 national championship. They’re not hurting for attention. But using their social channels to buddy up to one of the most famous Ohioans ever? That’s smart, low-cost marketing. And it gives fans something to talk about during the slow months of summer.
The Buckeyes open their 2026 season on September 5 against Ball State. James won’t be on the sideline in pads. But he’ll probably be watching from whatever city he’s suiting up for next season.
The post worked exactly how Ohio State wanted it to. It got people talking, got a laugh, and reminded everyone that LeBron is still — first and foremost — an Ohio kid.
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