Accolades are nothing new in LeBron James career and another one of sorts is headed his way.
James will grace the NBA 2K19 20th Anniversary Edition of the popular video game franchise, marking the second time in his career he will be on the cover of the game. He also appeared as the cover athlete on NBA 2K14.
The Cleveland Cavaliers star says he’s humbled to be chosen for the 20th anniversary cover “of a game I’ve played and loved since I was a little kid. 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.”
The 2019 edition of the game is set to release on Sept. 7. Per the NBA 2K website, those who purchase the Anniversary Edition will receive special LeBron-themed digital bonuses including:
- 100,000 Virtual Currency
- 50,000 MyTEAM points
- 20 MyTEAM League Packs
- 10 MyTEAM Packs
- 5 LeBron-themed murals for MyCOURT
- LeBron MyCOURT design
- King’s Collection – Nike LeBron apparel and 25 pairs of LeBron footwear
They Will Know Your Name, just like they know the King's. Introducing our 20th Anniversary Edition cover athlete @KingJames. Pre-order #NBA2K19 now to play 4 days early starting September 7th https://t.co/Fwn4OnQeur pic.twitter.com/Uw0IPMhArs
— NBA 2K21 (@NBA2K) June 5, 2018
Last season, Kyrie Irving — then a member of the Cavs with James — was tabbed as the cover athlete for NBA 2K18. Months later, he was traded by the Cavs in the offseason in a blockbuster deal with the Boston Celtics. Initial printings of the game featured Irving in a Cavs jersey, but the version available for purchase now features Irving in Celtics garb.
James can opt out of his contract this summer and test free agency — a move many consider to be a foregone conclusion. NBA 2K19’s first released images of James on the cover do not feature him in a Cavs uniform. Instead, it is a close-up profile of his face with words and phrases like “G.O.A.T”, “Strive For Greatness”, “Chosen One” and more behind him on a black background.
James and the Cavaliers trail the Golden State Warriors 2-0 in The Finals. Game 3 is Wednesday night (9 ET, ABC).
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
