LeBron James is just as big a superstar off the court as he is on the court. After being in the NBA for almost 20 years, James has expanded his portfolio of off-the-court endeavors greatly.
James is one of the biggest names in pop culture, not just the world of sports. Whether he is starring in movies like Space Jam: A New Legacy and Trainwreck, or he is making appearances with musicians, James is a media juggernaut.
Off the court, James is an incredibly charismatic figure. This is why he has been able to find so much success outside the hardwoods. James is one of the few athletes to cross over from sports into the entertainment world.
LeBron’s biggest endorsement is undeniably the one with Nike. ‘The King’ has a lifetime contract with Nike and is very hands-on with all the products that are released with his name.
He even took part in several commercials for Nike. But perhaps none is more bizarrely hilariously than the one he did with pop star Nicole Scherzinger in 2008 for his Zoom 6 shoe.
LeBron portrayed ‘Biz LeBron’ a smooth ladies man who was courting Scherzinger. In the video, LBJ intimately gifts Scherzinger a pair of his shoes, which he puts on her feet.
The commercial is comical because both performers lean into their ridiculous sides, and have oddly natural chemistry with each other. At one point, Scherzinger holds a basketball, to which James hilariously responds by saying “don’t pump fake me now”.
LeBron’s natural charisma is a huge boost to the companies that endorse him. Because of his ability to perform naturally, James can take part in promotional campaigns very well and can showcase a whole new side to himself.
**Credit for idea: ProCity Hoops**
