Count the city of New York among the suitors for Cleveland Cavaliers star and pending free agent LeBron James to sign with them this summer by using billboards, much like supporters of the Cavs, Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers have.
A billboard near Madison Square Garden challenges James to prove that he is the ‘King of New York’ by signing with the franchise this summer.
The billboard was purchased by NYC Ads Co., a New York City-based marketing company and are using the hashtag #KingJamesNYC18 as their rallying cry.
James, a four-time MVP, can opt out of his contract and test free agency this summer.
“Some of you may think we’re crazy and say there’s no chance he ends up in NY,” the company wrote. “I think why not? If you talk the talk you gotta walk the walk. You want to be considered the goat? Legend? Icon? I think the best way to solidify all that is winning a chip in NY a place that hasn’t seen it in 40 years.”
The Knicks, who last won an NBA championship in 1973, would need to create significant salary space to compete with the likes of the Sixers and the Lakers in the bidding for James.