The Evolution of LeBron James Through Commercial Media

From his first commercials portraying him as a young athlete with high expectations to his most recent ?Training Day? commercial, LeBron James? maturity and growth is evident both on and off the court.

NBA opening week looked more like the Super bowl with it?s endless, and intriguing commercials.

The center of it all: LeBron.

After winning two rings in Miami, LeBron seems to embracing while also taking advantage of the spotlight.

As he begins his season with hopes of winning his third consecutive ring, it looks like the commercials he?s featured in are parallel to his views.

Take a look at the evolution of LeBron?s commercials. It sure seems like winning on the court has reciprocated into more positive commercials off the court.

Show and Tell: Did you win the championship?

After his first year in the league and winning rookie of the year, everyone expected LeBron him to go home with a championship as well. Anything less, was not worthy enough for show and tell. The commercial shows LeBron?s ability to poke fun at himself, but also focuses on the disappointment of the kids as their hometown hero comes home empty handed. The disappointment both he and the fan?s felt continued in Cleveland, which inevitably caused LeBron to head over to South Beach.

http://youtu.be/W7eEA4TjFxE

Rise: What should I do?

This commercial was made after LeBron?s ?The Decision?. It focuses on the expectations others have of him versus the expectations he has of himself. Should he play the villain role everyone so generously puts on him? This commercial shows LeBron taking the next step and showing the world that he has yet to figure it out, but he must go through it on his own terms. By the looks of the rings on his fingers, it seems as though he?s figured it out.

http://www.iviewtube.com/v/171264/lebron-james-(rise)-nike-commercial

McDonalds:

Earlier this year a Yale study in ?Athlete Endorsements in Food Marketing? released that LeBron James, and other athletes were the catalyst in childhood obesity. Starring in commercials for Pepsi and McDonalds (below) had a negative impact. Although the kids were ?lovin it? it didn?t market James?s image in the right direction.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmrTDZy3f2M

Below are the two videos that aired opening night, and have not stopped showing since.

?Samsung Galaxy: The Next Big Thing Is Here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQ0iHc5WBaY

Samsung captures LeBron James: The family man in their latest commercial. Him alongside his wife, Savannah and his two sons enjoy a nice day working out and shooting hoops, while capturing life?s great moments with the Samsung product. The Next big thing is here: The new and improved LeBron James.

Nike Training Day:

Growing up, my favorite commercial was the Michael vs. Mia Gatorade commercial. Well done, Nike, you?ve just replaced that commercial with James?s Training Day. This commercial depicts a day with LeBron from bike riding to pickup games on the streets of South Beach, with the city alongside him. Nike does a great job on capitalizing James? more friendly, and humane side. Needless to say, even the Kobe fans were inspired with this one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS4Dl5CIZqE

LeBron?s opening day commercial releases were both entertaining, and created a positive light for LeBron and the season to come.

Magic Johnson tweeted? it best: