Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown said a magazine piece written by Kobe Bryant about giving athletes bigger shares in endorsement deals prompted him to launch his own sneaker company, 741Performance.
Speaking on Atlanta radio station V-103, Brown recalled reading Bryant’s article, which advocated for contracts that provide athletes with higher percentages from shoe sales. Brown told the station that message convinced him to create a brand designed to offer more favorable terms to players.
Sports reporter Bobby Krivitsky shared the interview clip on X (formerly Twitter) on Sept. 11, 2025, noting that Brown’s first model, the Rover, features a midsole shape inspired by one of Bryant’s signature shoes.
Brown wore several 741Performance prototypes during the 2024-25 NBA season. While most players typically sign with major companies such as Nike, Adidas, New Balance or Jordan Brand, Brown said his goal is to prove that a smaller, athlete-run label can succeed by delivering better revenue splits.
Regret Over Never Meeting Bryant
The Celtics forward also acknowledged that he never met Bryant. Brown entered the NBA as a rookie in 2016, one season after the Los Angeles Lakers legend retired. Bryant, a five-time champion and longtime inspiration for Brown, died in 2020.
“I wish I could have talked to him,” Brown said during the V-103 appearance. The 27-year-old, now in his ninth NBA season and a reigning Finals MVP, added that Bryant’s influence continues to guide his off-court ventures.
Los Angeles has honored Bryant by retiring both his No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys and commissioning statues outside Crypto.com Arena. Brown said those tributes underscore why he wants his own business to reflect Bryant’s example of empowering athletes.
Source: LakersNation.com
