There’s lots of buzz in the blogosphere about LeBron James’ arrogant swipe at Stephon Marbury’s $14.98 shoes. Judging from the King’s comments, Marbury must be onto something.
Truehoop’s Henry Abbott is all over the sneaker war; he was all over it even before LeBron came into the Garden last night and said he couldn’t imagine endorsing a $15 shoe because, “Me being with Nike, we hold our standards high.”
Marbury’s response was priceless: “I’d rather own than be owned.” Even though there’s a professional rivalry between them, understand that Steph and LeBron get along well and respect each other. But hey, you don’t dis a man’s kicks.
Check out all these comments to a Truehoop post earlier this week, and it’s obvious Marbury’s sneaker and apparel movement has struck a nerve. And whether people wear Nikes, Starburys, or knockoffs, clearly they don’t appreciate a star like LeBron taking shots at Marbury, who has won enormous image points with his bold stance against ultra-expensive shoes.
If you want to read my take on how LeBron's game is not living up to his royal hype, check out this column from Wednesday's paper.
To be fair, LeBron did have some nice things to say about Starburys. Before he knocked them, he said, “Growing up in the inner city, you know at times a family can’t afford $120 shoes or $90 shoes. So you get an opportunity the way you can play basketball in shoes you can afford and your family lifestyle doesn’t change. It’s definitely smart on their part.”
I just hope everyone remembers LeBron saying that $15 shoes don’t meet Nike’s “high standards” when the day comes for Nike to produce a low-priced shoe to recoup whatever market share it is losing to Starbury.
Example: Does anyone remember the first fast-food restaurant to have a dollar menu? All of them have one now.
Comments (7)
I am glad that this is being covered. I do believe this is starting a movement and although Lebron James came off sounding like a jerk, I don't think he could have said anything bad about Nike. I really like what Marbury is doing with his line and quite frankly the materials for a sneaker are pretty much the same. Teenagers decide on what's cool and not cool. I remember when Champion sweaters were expensive in 92' - 95'. Look at them now. Who really buys it? Nike may never come down like that but it would be nice to see them crippled because of this. Good article.
I believe Wendy's was the first with a $1 menu.
I applaude Stephon for being involved in making an affordable shoe. For too long, basketball a game popular on inner city courts, often in poor neighborhoods, has been afflicted with this overpriced accessorizing. A game played on a free court where all you needed was skill, a pair of sturdy affordable sneakers and the will to excel. Somehow this got priced out with by the illusory status provided by paying too much for sneakers, basketballs, jerseys and other unnecessary items.
Correction. When I stated basketballs, I meant paying outlandish amounts for name brands.
I'm love it, what Marbury said I,av been all over this one serching the internet for comments re James, coments and it's not good. But Marbury's come back was priceless, basicly he called James a Slave
cfwmn gctfvzeaq xayj lhcjarv hodcvyfgk zikqgtcs vmzisaftd
rxkezoq yxwrzhes hirsfxlc osthbemci izgwjv glwbehpz nhpo http://www.svbycw.fyqc.com