1.18.09: Brace Yourself for LeBron James' New Ad Campaign

by Jon Azpiri | January 12, 2009 at 06:56 pm
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Brace Yourself

1.18.09. No, those numbers aren't the numbers from the TV show Lost. They're part of LeBron James' new ad campaign, and according to the ad, you better "brace yourself."

The details of the 1.18.09 campaign remain a mystery. Technically, we don't even know what the numbers mean, although it's safe to assume that they stand for 1/18/09 or Jan. 18 2009.

Thus far, all we've seen is an ad featuring LeBron at a podium addressing the media.

"After talking with my friends and family I've decided to go with my first love," says James.

The ad ends with the message: 1.18.09 Brace Yourself.

Just what any of this means is anyone's guess. The commercial is poking fun at all the rumors about LeBron's future when he becomes a free agent in 2010. Rumors have swirled for months that James has dreamed of playing in New York City (he is a die-hard Yankees fan). Both the New York Knicks and nearby New Jersey Nets--co-owned by good friend Jay-Z--might make James an offer.

But what is the ad really about? Perhaps LBJ will be unveiling something big on the 18th. Some have suggested he might release a new rap single. Others have suggested that the campaign will focus on James playing another sport like baseball or football. Having James playing football would certainly make for a perfect Super Bowl ad, wouldn't it? 

Of course, what the 1.18.09 ad is really about is selling product, not to mention LeBron himself. Leave it to LeBron to create buzz with a campaign that is nothing more than a commercial for an upcoming commercial.

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lebron james

the commercial is about lebron's life as a movie

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Lebron rulez

That countdown2lebron site says its not lil wayne concert - he's going to "play football" they have pictures of it...

4
Jon Azpiri

It looks like those rumors about it being football-related may be true. Here are some photos of LeBron in a Cleveland Browns uniform.

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guest.1

it is copying michael jordon's press conference when he retired (the first time) to play baseball.

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LBJ FAN

dont leave lebron! stay where your at

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dustin haws

he is not leaving! relax... its just a commercial to create a buzzz

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Jay Persson

he isn't going to play in the NFL. there is a 0% chance he does. he is doing a super bowl commercial that's why he is dressed up in the browns uniform. this whole commercial is him having a dream of playing in the NFL and winning the super bowl with the Browns. then he wakes up and it was all just a dream. it is part of a commercial series and i believe it is set up to advertise some kind of nike product most likely a clothing line.

3
Matt the genius

Oreo's. You're welcome. 1/18/09 Williams V. Mannings.

1
Tim Caps

LeBron James would make a sick nasty tight end...I would not want to be the one to try and tackle him.

1
TREDAY

I think he will hav a rap single

1
the man

lebron james cant say he scored 54 points ina a college game. Jodie Meeks can!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thats why Kentucky is the best

0
Jon Azpiri

According to CNBC's Darren Rovell, the ad is part of a campaign for State Farm Insurance.

1
Jonathan Nguyen

Sorry, but Lebron is not going to leave the NBA without first getting, yep you guessed it, the NBA title.  No, he is not also going to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers (they have the BEST record in the league, why mess with something that isn't broken?).

If it had to do with anything profound-changing with his career, I do not believe Lebron would make it into a faux press conference commercial as oppose to having a real one.

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KH

Has anyone thought about the DSRL with the oreo cookie?? sounds far fetched BUT the is ALSO happening on 1.18.09. I know he doesnt have a brother but what does that mean....

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KH

Vitamin Water...OFFICIAL!!

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rct

i think its for OREO



cuz he says he's leaving for his first love and it might be like everyone's first love is eating oreos

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Winky

State Farm.  While I am a state farm customer and love my agent, I think I like the idea of Lebron playing football.

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Ethan

Maybe he's taking on the Manning brother and William sisters in the OREO EAT OFF!!!!!!

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Lebron rulez

That countdown2lebron.com site says its not lil wayne concert - he's going to "play football" they have pictures of it...

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jimmy gofss

it is obvious he is doing another statefarm commercial.  i have already seen some of the next commercial add. he is dreaming about signing with the brown and he leads his team and blocks a field goal. then he wakes up to find he was dreaming. finally he poses doing a Heisman move for statefarm.


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aznballa161

its probably a shoe ad.

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pauly hart

maybe he will become a preacher and spread the word.

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eirc

you are all not right. They are making fun of when Jordan went to retire and play baseball. If you know about basketball you would see that right away. So they are using that for a new sneaker

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murph24444

Everyone is wrong...They are making fun of when Jordan retired to ply baseball when he did

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BiffMagriff

I heard that its the date he comes out of the closet.

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The Official Brace Yourself

http://lebron2010.com/?p=448

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adrian from jacksonville

DSRL...oreo cookie ad thats what it is

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shaniqua

Yall are ALLL WRONG. The ad is about me. Im the love of his life and we have a family. Hes going public about us...we have beautiful babies and he realized that we are more important than any sport.

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Chad Welker

Guys you are all fucking retarded.  the ad is about how excellent lebron cooks his eggs and today he is going to make everyone an enormous breakfast.  and then he decided he would strap on an apron and do my laundry.  and then we will all line up and he will jump over us.  and after all of this occurs, him i and lil wayne will smoke a blunt and go to sleep.

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