In a season of unprecedented shoe deal free agency, the world's number one athletic shoe maker is signing the most coveted available athletes.

On May 20, Nike signed former Syracuse standout Carmelo Anthony to a six-year deal worth roughly $3 million per year. The next day, future No. 1 pick LeBron James was paid $90 million to wear the Swoosh for seven years.

On Wednesday, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher that the shoe giant, which owns roughly 40 percent of the U.S. shoe market, is close to signing Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant. Bryant's SFX agent Rob Pelinka could not immediately be reached for comment.

Terms of the deal were not available and a Nike official said that company executives do not comment on rumor and speculation.

Sources told ESPN.com that Bryant will wear the Nike, not Jordan, brand and he is expected to receive a percentage of royalties from products associated with him.

Bryant's signing with Nike became a formality after he severed ties with adidas in July 2002 after a six-year stint with the German company. Talks heated up at the All-Star Game in February with Reebok making a push for Bryant. But a week later, Reebok announced it had withdrawn from the Kobe shoe race citing the high price of entry. Bryant later disputed Reebok's claims, saying he weeded Reebok out.

Part of Bryant's buyout with adidas stipulated that he would agree not to sign with a competitor until after June 15 and he could not wear shoes of any competitor for more than three consecutive games.

Nike is expected to try to make its money back from the James' signing as quickly as it can. The much-anticipated first LeBron James signature shoe and apparel is expected to be released in time for the holidays in mid-December. However, a source says Nike will unveil a special, limited-edition shoe for the first regular season game that will be available in major markets. James is also expected to have his own logo on all his apparel.

Nike officials are also expected to go after Houston Rockets center Yao Ming, whose Nike deal expired at the end of the season.

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett, who is also a shoe deal free agent after stints with Nike and AND 1, is expected to sign with adidas in the coming months.

Darren Rovell, who covers sports business for ESPN.com, can be reached at Darren.rovell@espn3.com.