J.R. Smith, the NBA player turned college golfer at North Carolina A&T, inks NIL deal with apparel brand Lululemon

J.R. Smith has a name, image and likeness deal with apparel brand Lululemon that will make him the brand's golf ambassador.

Smith, who went straight from high school to the NBA in 2004, has been a walk-on on the North Carolina A&T golf team.

Smith is a freshman at the HBCU. He is the first male golfer to sign a brand ambassador deal. He is one of the most popular college athletes in the sport because of his 16-year NBA career.

Smith signed with a sports management company. There was high interest from golf apparel and equipment manufacturers in sponsoring Smith, according to Lance Young, Smith's agent. College athletes were able to make money off their name, image and likeness last year.

Smith can promote the brand on social media, as he did in a recent golf campaign, but he can't do it at NCAA-sanctioned events.

During his basketball career, the two-time NBA champion made $90 million. He wants to make golf more accessible for minorities.

On August 13, 2020, Smith played for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA.