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LeBron James Gets ‘NBA 2K19’ Cover Nod

LeBron James, NBA, Cleveland Cavaliers
June 3, 2018; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game two of the 2018 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

NBA 2K is one of the most celebrated sports video games of all time, up there with the Madden franchise, NBA Jam, Ken Griffey Jr.’s Slugfest, and NFL Blitz. 2K will celebrate its 20th anniversary with its 2019 offering, and it has pegged the most appropriate cover star: LeBron James.

James will grace the cover of the game, which will drop Sep. 7. 2K released an announcement video featuring scenes from James’ career Tuesday morning. The video includes a tribute from 2 Chainz, Rapsody, and Jerreau.

The standard edition of the game will cost $59.99. A special 20th anniversary edition will be available for $99.99. It will be available on XBox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The special edition also comes with a LeBron poster, wristband, and sticker sheet.

Those who want to get an early start in MyCAREER mode may do so with NBA 2K19: The Prelude, which will drop Aug. 31.

Below is the eye-catching cover art, which features phrases LeBron selected.

LeBron James, NBA 2K19, NBA, Basketball
NBA 2K19

LeBron said, according to the AP, he was humbled to be on the 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.”

LeBron’s Lot

LeBron may look forward to the game’s release this fall, but he has a tall task immediately in front of him. His Cavaliers trail the loaded Golden State Warriors 2-0 in the NBA Finals. Golden State pulled away for a 10-point overtime win in Game 1 and thoroughly dominated Game 2, claiming a 122-103 win.

LeBron has been solid thus far in the Finals. His team, however, will need him to ascend to another level for the Cavs to have a prayer. Catch Game 3 Wednesday at 9 p.m. EST on ABC.

Written by Aaron Mansfield

Aaron Mansfield is a freelance sports writer. His work has appeared in Complex, USA Today and the New York Times. Mansfield is a PhD candidate at UMass Amherst.

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