Sonny Vaccaro has been one of the most influential figures in basketball history, shaping the sneaker industry and guiding some of the game’s biggest stars.
In his new book, Legends and Soles: The Memoir of an American Original, Vaccaro shares untold stories about his relationships with Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James.
NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson spoke with Vaccaro, who reflected on his time with the legendary players and the impact they had on his career.
Vaccaro described his early bond with Jordan, highlighting how close they were during his Nike years. “We traveled the world together, I slept in his home. We did everything together,” he said.
He recalled a memorable moment when he and Jordan played gin rummy for hours on a flight from Paris to Chicago.
However, their relationship changed after Vaccaro left Nike. “It went left after I was let go and years had passed… There were other players who got closer to Michael,” Vaccaro explained.
Despite their history, he acknowledged that outside influences ultimately strained their connection.
Vaccaro also had a strong relationship with Bryant, playing a key role in the early stages of his career. “Again, there was no one closer other than his mom and dad than me,” he said.
He remembered how Bryant lived on the same street as him and his wife, Pam, when the young star moved to Pacific Palisades.
One of Vaccaro’s most cherished memories came when Bryant attended the ABCD Camp as a teenager. “Mr. Vaccaro, I’m going to be the MVP next year,” a young Bryant told him, foreshadowing his greatness.
Vaccaro also shared insights into his relationship with LeBron James and his mother, Gloria. He expressed disappointment in Adidas for failing to secure James, despite his efforts to build trust with the family.
“Adidas lied to him. I couldn’t work for people that lied to somebody who I gave my word to,” Vaccaro admitted.
He also credited Kevin Garnett for paving the way for high school players to enter the NBA. “He gave me the courage to continue on. If I believed in a kid, then they should go to the league,” Vaccaro said.
Throughout his career, Vaccaro fought against corporate giants, advocating for athletes’ rights and changing the sports business landscape.
