Lebron Could Net Nike 4 Billion Dollars...Head Cold And All

With the win last night in Chicago, evening the series at 1-1, the Miami Heat inched closer to their first NBA title since 2005-2006.  Only 7 wins stand between Lebron James and Co. winning their first championship while arguably holding the title of most hated team of all time.  Apparently though, China hasn't gotten that memo as James has given Nike reason to believe he will bring them roughly 4 billion in sales a year over the next decade.

Because the rapture would likely come a day earlier than anticipated (settle all your scores before May 21st people) without an obligatory Lebron James story, so here it is.  Yesterday, ESPN reporter and sneakily hot Rachel Nichols reported that Lebron had the sniffles heading into Game 2.  Upon listening to the report, I immediately threw up in my mouth that Lebron would be awarded "warrior" status if the Heat were able to win Game 2, all while under the influence of the best Dayquill 711 has to offer.

Pause for a moment to ponder your thoughts on Rachel Nichols.  Sometime around 2009, I was watching ESPN and decided Nichols was hot.  I texted my best friend for SMS verification and he concurred.  She's just got the "there's something about her, that I can't quite put my finger on" factor.  Disagree if you want, just know you're wrong.

Regardless, if Lebron's 29 point sniffly performance doesn't scream, Michael Jordan in the '97 Finals I don't know what does.  So, move over Michael, because there's a new emperor in town.  Bloomberg is reporting that if Lebron manages to win his first NBA title this June that he will become a 4 billion dollar man, jumping Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant in popularity in China.  Nike, which made 1.96 billion sales in China over the last year, expects sales to realistically reach 6 billion by 2020, due in large part to the international fanhood of King James.

The reason for the huge growth in popularity will be directly attributed, according to experts like Terry Rhoads of Shanghai based Zou Marketing, to his lack of titles.  The youth of China have latched on to the star power of Lebron, but true overall growth in the Chinese market can only be measured in titles.  Jordan won 6.  Kobe has 5.  And Lebron...might have 1.  Seems like it should be worth 4 billion dollars to me.