The Los Angeles Lakers have made it known to the NBA world that they hope to sign free agent LeBron James this summer.
Even though the offseason has yet to arrive, the pitching process for James has already begun from fans of the Los Angeles Lakers. When a player of the skill-set like James becomes a free agent, a team should do nearly everything in their power to acquire him. Thus, the LeBron James sweepstakes have just begun.
Only one week ago, a PR campaign was launched in the city of Cleveland, Ohio to recruit LeBron James to join the Philadelphia 76ers. According to Darren Rovell of ESPN, Philadelphia-based company Power Home Remodeling was behind the ad campaign.
The Philadelphia company placed three prominent signs along a major Cleveland highway. Each billboard had different artwork, including one that read: #PhillyWantsLeBron. The was 76ers organization did not coordinate this campaign. Therefore, the NBA cannot consider this as tampering under league rules.
A Philadelphia-based company put up three billboards on highway to downtown Cleveland this morning saying that city wanted LeBron. Here they are in order. pic.twitter.com/vntsa8h3mE
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) February 26, 2018
The 76ers are only one of multiple teams trying to lure James away from Cleveland this summer in free agency. If these billboards were meant to stir up drama, they certainly did. When asked after a practice on his thoughts about the billboards, James told Philly Sports Radio 94WIP that they were “very flattering”.
Cleveland fans didn’t take to well to this public campaign for LeBron. In response, a Cleveland company called Geis Cos. decided to run an advertisement in downtown Cleveland. The message read “HEY PHILLY,” and then included a crown with its points bent over to resemble a middle finger.
I just saw this in downtown Cleveland. ‘HEY PHILLY, 👑 #THELANDOFTHEKING pic.twitter.com/FZjPWvK0e7
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) March 1, 2018
Lakers fans decided to jump in on the action. The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani sponsored two billboards in Cleveland mocking the Cavs and Sixers while pointing to the Championship history of L.A. The billboards took a shot at both Philly and Cleveland, noting their lack of NBA Championships.
Philly isn’t the only team that wants LeBron, judging by these billboards in LA. pic.twitter.com/3M39IFqOf0
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 7, 2018
Emrani was quoted in a Washington post article talking about his billboards. He said “Cleveland & Philly, you can’t compete with L.A.”. He continued to argue that “Philly feels like they can convince him to come and complete a start-up. We are not about start-ups here. They got a start-up over there. We got legacy here.”
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While these billboards have served as a good bit of comedy, they will not be the reason why LeBron decides which team to sign with. Though, James can feel good knowing that his talents and services are respected. These public displays of affection have shown just how attractive a free agent like LeBron is. There is no clear winner in this billboard battle for attention, but this summer there will be a clear winner in the free agency battle for LeBron James.