Heat F LeBron James is "partially bankrolling a planned luxury lifestyle concept store called 'Unknwn' that's slated to open in Miami this fall," according to Michael McCarthy of USA TODAY. James will have a "financial stake in a planned retail store owned by Chris Julian and other investors." James in a statement said that the store “will open with a mix of apparel, footwear, printed materials and lifestyle accouterments, with featured brands to include A.P.C., Original Fake and Nike Tier 0 product” (USATODAY.com, 6/2). In Miami, Kyle Munzenrieder reported the store "seems to be a collaboration with Akron, Oh-based clothing label Blessed." There are no details about where the store will be located. The "safe bet" is that it will be in South Beach, "but it might also be a good fit for the Design District." It is "planning for a November opening" (MIAMINEWTIMES.com, 6/2).
ALL FOR A GOOD CAUSE: James last summer donated $2M to the Boys & Girls Club of America after holding his primetime ESPN special to announce he was signing with the Heat at the organization's place in Greenwich, Conn., and he talked prior to Game Two of the NBA Finals Thursday night about the donation and the "heightened awareness generated for the organization." He said of "The Decision," "Of course it overshadowed what my main objective was, which was rightfully so, I understand. But it doesn't matter. These kids are benefitting from it. There are so many clubs that are opening, not only here in Miami, but Cleveland, and Akron and New York, Los Angeles." He added that his schedule "allowed him to attend one opening this season in Los Angeles and he has monitored the project through the course of the season" (SUN-SENTINEL.com, 6/2).
JUST CAN'T LET GO: In Miami, Michelle Kaufman notes the “CavsforMavs” movement in Cleveland “has gained steam over the past four days.” A gray T-shirt selling for $24 “features the red Cavs logo with the blue Dallas ‘M’ over the Cleveland ‘C,’ and the Mavs’ white cowboy hat propped atop the ‘S.’” Cleveland graphic artist Greg Vlosich, who created “The Lyin’ King” T-shirt last summer, said that he “started getting orders within five minutes of posting the shirt on his website and they have come from as far as Australia, Germany and France” (MIAMI HERALD, 6/3).
