By Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson
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Did you see that game last night? Who says that he can’t be a Yankee fan? In dramatic fashion on Wednesday night, LeBron James put on a shooting clinic at the Mecca of Hoops—Madison Square Garden. In dramatic fashion, James scored 50 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and 10 assists in a game that had a nostalgic Michael Jordan feel to it. What made the game even more interesting -besides the attendance of Spike Lee, Jay-Z- was the special edition New York Yankees Zoom Air V sneakers that were worn by Mr. James. I had a flashback to the Ferrari-inspired Jordan 14’s that Jordan wore in the second half of the 1998 NBA Finals. Oh you know what I am talking about! The game where he (up for your interpretation) crossed-up Bryon Russell and hit his patented fade away to secure the Bulls sixth NBA crown. If you look at the game on television, Jordan wore two different pairs of sneakers during the game. He had the all-black Jordan 13’s on. At some point he changed his sneakers in the second half, which were the 14’s which were released the following year. Moving on to King James today….
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The concept of the shoe is based upon James’ love for the New York Yankees. Back in the fall, James, a native of Akron, Ohio, was a spectator at Jacobs Field in Cleveland during the MLB playoff game between the visiting Yankees and the Cleveland Indians. When the jumbotron at Jacob’s field spotted him, he proudly lifted his hat in support of his team. Boy, were Cleveland fans disgusted. As a result, the shoe was born!
The shoe has a New York Yankees white and blue pin-striped color scheme. In addition, it has a 23 on it, the number that James wears. The tongue on the shoe says, “Le-Bron Ja-Mes. Clap. Clap. Clap Clap Clap.†Lastly, the Velcro strap on the shoe says, “Fresh for ‘08. Suckers.â€
LeBron James’ sneaker was actually in limited supply yesterday in Manhattan. Approximately 130 pairs were available at the Harlem House of Hoops yesterday. Not only was James exclusive yesterday in the footwear department, but he also made the basketball being played at the Mecca look good. Truly, by watching this game, you could tell that James was loving life and it actually made a Knicks game fun to watch. James shot an impressive 16-of-30, drilling 7 three pointers for the game. One three point shot was heaved with ease from half court as time expired in the second quarter. James also was the first player since Stephon Marbury to score 50 points and hand out 10 assists in a game. Marbury did it in April of 2001 with the New Jersey Nets against the Los Angeles Lakers.Â
Watching this game reminded me of the Mars Blackwell and Michael Jordan Nike Commercials back in the day. I wonder if they could make Damon Jones into the LeBron storyline—especially with the funky Mohawk he has going. At the Garden, we were All Witnesses!
