USA TODAY's Andrew Joseph noted LeBron James has a "massive" new Nike billboard in L.A. "just steps away from Staples Center." It features James in a Lakers uniform with a "message built around" Nike's "Just Do It" campaign, and was installed in front of ESPN's L.A. studios. Hotels at the L.A. Live entertainment complex also "added their own LeBron James banners" (USATODAY.com, 10/8).
ONE OF A KIND: YAHOO SPORTS' Cassandra Negley reported Univ. of Oregon student Justin Gallegos has "become the first professional athlete with cerebral palsy to sign a contract with Nike." Gallegos used a video to "break the news" of his contract on Oct. 6, which is "cerebral palsy awareness day." Gallegos worked with Nike on its Breaking2 campaign, which "helps athletes break the two-hour barrier for marathons and chronicled his journey in distance running" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 10/9).
DRIVING TO THE NET: In Las Vegas, Mick Akers noted Golden Knights fans have "jumped at the chance to represent the team on their vehicles." Data from the Navada DMV shows that in the first week they were available for sale, 4,517 "'Vegas Born' specialty license plates were sold." By comparison, the Nevada 150th Anniversary specialty plate "sold 475 plates in its first week sold" in '13 (LAS VEGAS SUN, 10/10).
SMALL POTATOES: YAHOO SPORTS' Liz Roscher noted President Trump's campaign store is "selling 'Stand Up for America' football jerseys, emblazoned with '45' on the back and front." The jerseys have "Stand Up for America" "embroidered on the front." On the back of the jerseys, "above the number, is 'TRUMP,'" and there is "even an American flag on one sleeve." The jerseys are on sale for $99 (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 10/9).
