Fan puts up Billboards in LA in an attempt to lure LeBron to the Lakers
What's the story?
A die-hard Los Angeles Lakers' fan has put up billboards in an attempt to sway LeBron James’ to the city, given the superstar's impending free agency this upcoming summer.
In case you didn't know...
Three billboards popped up last week in Ohio with messages trying to convince James to sign with the Sixers this summer. One sign read #PHILLYWANTSLEBRON; another read COMPLETE THE PROCESS. A third featured an outline of half a court with the numbers of the Sixers' starting five numbers -- with one of the five numbers a 23 in maroon with a crown above it. Those billboards were put up by Power Home Remodeling, a company based in Chester, Pennsylvania.
The heart of the matter...
Jacob Emrani, the owner of The Law Offices of Jacob Emrania, personal injury attorney, and a longtime Lakers season-ticket holder had made his intentions very clear that he wants to see the King in purple and gold jersey next summer.
Emrani has paid for 4 billboards. Two went up Wednesday morning -- one in Westwood and the other on the 710 freeway. They all have the hashtag #LABron on them. One also says, "Cleveland & Philly, You Can't Compete with L.A." with a No. 23 jersey in purple accompanied by a gold crown. Another says "FORGET THE PROCESS, WE WIN BANNERS!"
"One of [the billboards] is shooting back at both Philly and Cleveland regarding the fact that they can't compete with L.A. We don't need a 'process.' In L.A., we win banners, dude.", Emrani told ESPN.
Another billboard that went up in the afternoon features the retired Lakers jersey numbers of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant with James' No. 23 next to them and the hashtag "#NextRetiredJersey."
What's next?
Emrani plans to have the James' billboards up for the month and might move the locations to increase visibility. LeBron James and company would be coming to Los Angeles this weekend to play against the Clippers on Friday and the Lakers on Sunday night.
Author's take
This contest between the fans and the teams is fascinating. This is just the trailer to what might happen if LeBron decides to join any other team apart from the Cleveland Cavaliers.