THIS BASKETBALL-CRAZY nation is getting a glimpse of one of the sport’s biggest star today.
Two-time NBA champion LeBron James finally made his much-anticipated arrival in Manila yesterday afternoon in his first trip to the country, whose passion and devotion for the sport is unlike any other in the globe.
A four-time NBA Most Valuable Player and winner of two Olympic gold medals, James, who arrived on a private jet at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, is in the country for a promotional tour dubbed “Witness History” and organized by global footwear and sports apparel brand Nike.
James is coming off another grueling yet successful NBA season, where he powered the Heat to their second straight title at the expense of the San Antonio Spurs, who dragged them to a seven-game series. James won regular season MVP as well as finals MVP.
The 6-foot-8 Miami Heat forward will be at the Mall of Asia Arena this afternoon for the promotional show, which drew a mad rush for tickets at Nike’s flagship store at Bonifacio Global City.
Fans lined up as early as two days for free tickets that were distributed last week in a clear indication of James’ pull in the country.
James’ visit signals a rush of arrivals from current NBA stars for the next three months.
James Harden of the Houston Rockets and Eric Gordon of the New Orleans Pelicans are also arriving Thursday for the three-day NBA 3X event, while Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls will be in the country on Sept. 12 to 16.