LeBron James ‘Humbled’ To Get Covered On NBA 2K 19 20th Anniversary Edition
By Barry Janoff
June 5, 2018: LeBron James represents different things to different people.
For James himself, words that would describe him include “Driven,” “Equality,” “Strive for Greatness,” “Chosen One,” “James Gang,” “330” “King” and “G.O.A.T.”
Those are among the words and terms selected by James for the cover of the NBA 2K19 20th Anniversary Edition, which features James’ face surrounded by text.
Add another word: “Humble.”
“It’s humbling to be on the 20th anniversary cover of a game I’ve played and loved since I was a little kid,” said James in a statement.
“We were able to do something really unique for the cover that represents everything that drives me and inspires me — from my family to where I come from and words I live by.”
This marks the second time in James’ career he will be on the cover of the game, having appeared as the cover athlete on NBA 2K14 (when he was a member of the Miami Heat).
The cover athlete for the NBA 2K19 Standard Edition has not yet been revealed.
Kyrie Irving was the cover athlete for NBA 2K18 when he was a teammate with James on the Cleveland Cavaliers before being traded to the Boston Celtics..
Marketing support for the NBA 2K19 20th Anniversary Edition includes a spot, "How Could They Have Known,” with a rap song featuring 2 Chainz, Rapsody and Jerreau.
As part of its homage to James, the full spot addresses the G.O.A.T debate.
“How could they have known the legacy he would create,” rap 2 Chainz, Rapsody and Jerreau. “With their hands they raise him up to greatest of the great."
We then the word G.O.A.T., a shot of James, an actual goat and then a shot of Michael Jordan.
2K Games said the NBA 2K19 20th Anniversary Edition includes a LeBron James NBA 2K19 poster, NBA 2K sticker sheet and a custom wristband featuring LeBron’s chosen words; digital goodies include King's Collection — Nike LeBron apparel and 25 pairs of footwear.
According to Alfie Brody, vp-marketing for NBA 2K, “This year marks the 30th anniversary for the development team at Visual Concepts and the 20th for the NBA 2K series, so it was important to commemorate this milestone by partnering with the most iconic athlete of this generation in LeBron James.
“LeBron’s carefully crafted wording on the NBA 2K19 20th Anniversary Edition cover encapsulates the passion and drive that have elevated him to all-time greatness, making him the perfect cover star," said Brody.
The extended spot is headlined by text, “Legends aren’t born, they’re made.”
2 Chainz, Rapsody and Jerreau rap: “How could they have known? His drive. His power. the generations he has inspired. The heartache he endured. Sacrificing for each other in the 330 (James’ hometown area code).
“LeBron’s carefully crafted wording on the 20th Anniversary Edition cover encapsulates the passion and drive that have elevated him to all-time greatness."
“From Chosen One to falling short. He wouldn’t stop at the sport. A champion for equality. This game is bigger than the court. With their hands they raise him up to Greatest of the Great. That the world would know his name."
Said James, ”I’m honored my journey can be part of this special time in 2K history and I’m excited for fans to see it.”
The NBA 2K19 Standard Edition will be available on Sept. 11 ($59.99) on Xbox One, PlayStation4 system, Nintendo Switch and Windows PC platforms.
People who purchase the NBA 2K19 20th Anniversary Edition ($99.99) can receive the game beginning Sept. 7.
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