text: do outside companies like nike have too much influence on the nba, in regards to lebron james? couldn't this unbalance the league, and give big market teams like la, nyc and chicago too much power? if lebron's shoe deal will double should he go to those teams, this would just be unethical and an unhealthy influence. nobody good would want to play anywhere else.  rule changes coming soon, maybe?   http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/40582/20060520/lebrons_nike_deal_to_double_in_new_york_chicago_or_los_angeles/ wow. they do. and i'll give you another reason. 19 out of the 25 players on the usa olympics roster are nike endorsers.