Howard Could Replace LeBron In Vitaminwater Ads If Magic Win

James (l), Howard Both Endorse Vitaminwater, So Brand Could Change Playoff Ad Campaign

Cavaliers F LeBron James and Magic C Dwight Howard both endorse Vitaminwater, meaning the brand "will be able to change up" their NBA Playoffs ad campaign if the Finals feature Magic-Lakers instead of  Cavaliers-Lakers, according to Darren Rovell of CNBC.com. With the Magic winning Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals, Rovell noted "this whole Kobe vs. LeBron blowout that Coke's Vitaminwater has been doing might go the way of Dan and Dave."  The drink has the benefit of technology and the "ability to immediately self-post new creative on YouTube and a variety of other sites." It will be "pretty impressive if the Cavs do go down, if the Coke brand can mobilize to put Howard in the rotation" (CNBC.com, 5/21).

COMPANY MAN: In Ohio, George Thomas notes James "pronounced himself healthy and ready to go after dealing with cramps" during Game One on Wednesday. When asked if he drank Gatorade to "combat the problem," James said, "No, I never drink Gatorade. Just Vitaminwater" (AKRON BEACON JOURNAL, 5/22).