Hooped Up

In his recent trip to jolly ol. LeBron James payed a visit to the soccer team he’s now a part owner of Liverpool FC and came bearing gifts in the form of Beats by Dr. Dre. headphones for the entire squad. Sweet cross promotion LBJ.

James also presented Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard with an autographed Miami Heat jersey that says “James” on the back. While Gerrard presented James with a Liverpool jersey that said “James” on the back. Just like the ones Gerrard could by buy at any sports store in the United Kingdom. How classy — and by classy I mean. How not classy.

I guess it was a better gift than bringing Gerrard some Bangers and Mash, a soccer ball or tea, but not by much.

Champion and tall German guy Dirk Nowitzki talks soccer with FCDallas.com and lets the world know that LeBron gets zero soccer street cred with him. Throw it down big man! Throw it down!

For the first time since becoming a minority owner of Liverpool FC in April. LeBron James took his talents across the pond and to the seats of the legendary Anfield pitch, to see his team play some footy against arch rivals Manchester United.

If you’re wondering the game was a one-one draw, but LeBron clearly enjoyed himself thoroughly as he called the match “One of the single best experiences of my life!” via Twitter. Nice jersey LeBron.

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When his not driving up the market for his services in Italy, Kobe Bryant loves his soccer. While in Turkey the Kobe-ster got a chance to “kick it” with the other team he likes besides Barcelona FC, which is Galatasaray and they really seemed to hit it off. Like the international rockstar he is, Kobe shook hands, took pictures, kiss baby’s (I assume), scored some penalty kicks and spoke a few languages to further endear himself to Europe and Istanbul.

If there was ever a player who could survive and thrive overseas during a lockout, it’s this dude.

Steve Nash and steely-eyed soccer superstar Hope Solo do battle in FIFA Soccer 12 and yes — of course hilarity ensues. DUH!

The only thing Kobe Bryant loves more than scoring 81 points on the Raptors, winning more championship rings than Shaq and being compared to Michael Jordan is maybe soccer powerhouse FC Barcelona. So of course when he was invited to take part in a halftime ceremony for his favorite team, he said “hell yeah!” and yes, I’m paraphrasing.

“Growing up in Italy, I’ve always been a huge soccer fan, so it’s very easy for me to identify with the sport,” Bryant said at an event hosted by Turkish Airlines which he serves as global ambassador. “When I first saw Barça play, they play with so much creativity, passion and enthusiasm, it was so easy to follow it. They inspired me and the way I play.”

There it is kids, if you wanna play like Kobe Bryant watch Lionel Messi first. If you get really good at soccer, stick with it. They never have a work stoppage and get paid way, way, way, way — way more. I’m just sayin’ they get paid like way more.

Watch the Kobe-ster score a cracking penalty kick during halftime after the jump.

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I mentioned sometime ago that Steve Nash signed with Chinese shoemaker Luyou and now here is his first commercial with his new sponsor.

Despite taking a “pay cut” to play for the Miami Heat, LeBron James remains one of the richest athletes in the world, and the estimated $30M he pockets from the likes of McDonald’s, Nike, Bubbilicious and Coca-Cola helps him keep it that way. However the one thing LeBron lacks is an international identity, and to change that he partnered his sports-marketing firm, LRMR Branding & Marketing with Fenway Sports Group. One immediate perk of that union for the King, a minority stake in Liverpool FC who they also represent and own.

“We believe this will be a powerful collaboration between FSM and LRMR and LeBron. There are very few athletes who can match his global reach, appeal and iconic status,” said Tom Werner. “We are very excited that LeBron will be part of the Liverpool FC family. LeBron and Liverpool each has a powerful presence internationally, with particular strength in Asia, but we feel the business opportunities for both working and being identified together in emerging international markets will result in unforeseen opportunities that neither would have been able to realize alone.”

LeBron James isn’t a huge soccer fan, but he’s a huge fan of LeBron James and this union should be a slam dunk. But if this can’t raise his profile globally, he’ll have to revert to winning multiple championships. In NBA circles, this is also known as the hard way.

H/N Liverpool FC