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Witness (swoosh)
Just when we thought LeBron's playoff debut could get any cooler, Nike launches this "Witness" campaign that's capitalizing on The King's coronation brilliantly.
Of course, it took some help from his end. It took a dynamite first half of basketball, with dunks and drives and on-point assists. And, of course, The King delivered.
What we saw in the first half of the opening game against the Wizards was not a star or even a superstar at work. There are other stars, other superstars (LeBron was drafted with two of them). This is bigger than that. After that amazing first half the entire crowd at The Q (what a stupid name) was going nuts as LeBron walked off the court, coolly and with his head down. Behind him was a throng of reporters and stadium workers just itching for one or two seconds of time. It was electric.
Tiger is the only legit comparison right now. Tiger walking to 18 with a five-stroke lead at the Masters. Tiger's got nine years on LeBron.
And he plays basketball, not golf.
That first half was what it looks like when an era is launched, apparently. No matter what happens with this series, LeBron has arrived, and let there be zero doubt that he is the single most exciting player in any sport. He's not a superstar - he's a God with a capital 'G'. This is going to be a truly special next 10-15 years of playoff basketball.
A friend and I were discussing LeBron and whether he should stay in Cleveland or not. My buddy thinks it would be coolest if he stayed where he was for his entire career. Like Magic or Larry or (sort of) Jordan.
I say that'd be cool and all - but a bigger stage is waiting in the Big Apple. Sure, LeBron wins a championship in Cleveland and it's great. Lord knows, the fans there would commit collective Kool-Aid suicide if LeBron opted to sign elsewhere.
But there's just so much more he could be doing in New York. So many new avenues to market himself. AND - about fifty times the fans. Bring a championship to Cleveland and you're the man. Bring a championship to New York and you're, well, we've already covered this.
The questions for today: Is LeBron really the biggest star in sports right now? Is he the biggest star in anything - movies, TV, whatever? And should he try to split for New York, or some bigger market, when the opportunity presents itself?
Posted by Phil Parker at 10:28 AM | Permalink
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Posted by: Phil | April 24, 2006 02:45 PM
The kind with the magical ability to go back and fix it. Muahahaha...!
Posted by: Carlos | April 27, 2006 09:41 AM
Let me respond to this statement, "...and let there be zero doubt that he is the single most exciting player in any sport". Clearly, you have not watched Ronaldinho play in the last 5-6 years. You'll get your chance to watch him play this summer in the World Cup and there will be little doubt left in your mind that his genius is unparalleled.
Posted by: Carlos | April 27, 2006 11:31 AM
Follow-up...
Ronaldinho's precision is beyond comprehension. His scoring ability, exquisite; dribbling, brilliant; fitness, Armstrong-like...Ronaldinho has been tipped as FIFA's World's best soccer player: a vote that is given to all International coaches across the globe. In addition, he is the World player of the year as voted by his peers, fellow professionals. There is no vote for World's best basketball player, now is there? No weight behind your assertions except one opinion and some miscellaneous punditry vs a World vote that is done annually...which is why Ronaldinho could be the best in all sport!
Lebron dribbles normal like any other NBA player! You can't compare his between-the-leg or crossover to AI's...no way. He doesn't beat players because his dribble is awe-inspiring...that's rubbish! Nash is a better dribbler. Yes, Lebron can jam...his shooting is getting better but he still tends to chuck. Reminds me of early Kobe, actually.
Two different sports: 90min w/o rest, w/o stopping...there is no other sport as physically demanding as soccer...i mean, sure boxers and cyclists are pure athletes BUT train for one event over an extended amount of time. Professional soccer players can play 2-3 matches (depending on tournament qualification) a week at the same pace, exerting thousands upon thousands of calories...
The main difference is stoppages vs no stoppage...
Posted by: Carlton | April 27, 2006 01:52 PM
Get this soccer guy off the blog.
Posted by: Phil | April 28, 2006 04:14 AM
Seriously...
Posted by: MikeC | April 30, 2006 12:55 AM
I am a huge soccer fan as well but how can u even compare ronaldhino to lebron, two totally different sports so get off that hater wagon right there. Ronaldhino is the best in his sport followed closely by Henry I'd say but Lebron is the definite future of the NBA his strength and determination to take it to the next level will make him who he is. And I can say I am a Witness since i just bought a shirt off ebay haha
Posted by: sunny | November 11, 2006 08:22 PM
what really does it mean "I am a witness"...not to sound totally stupid but help a brother out!
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Posted by: Felix | April 24, 2006 12:11 PM