LeBron James swaps black mask... for clear one at request of NBA

L.A.Times ^ | March 1, 2014 | Dan Loumena

[MeshugeMikey]

LeBron James knows that what's in the best interest of the NBA is usually in his best interest, which probably is why he complied with the league's request to wear a clear mask to protect his broken nose Saturday night rather than the cooler-looking black one he wore Thursday.

As long as it’s transparent," James said of the mask. "As long as they can see my face ... my opponents. Just as long as it’s not black."

[MeshugeMikey]

I scarely know what to make of this item

[oh8eleven]

Well, if James hadn’t conceded, it would have been no time before all the “in” players would have looked like hockey goalies trying to “outmask” each other.

[miss marmelstein]

It’s racism, I tell ya!

[BenLurkin]

I think I see the problem...

[jocon307]

I suppose that’s it. Maybe it’s just distracting in such a fast moving game.

[jocon307]

Well let’s give him credit for not being a b*tcher and moaner, for once in this world.

[Fzob]

"As long as they can see my face ... my opponents. Just as long as it’s not black."

Seems to me Lebron wearing a clear mask is still black. So what is the point?

[MeshugeMikey]

its insane I tell ya!

wheres Al Sharpton when ya need him?

We know hes not playing golf with the great leader.

a Red White and Blue Mask might have been the answer.

[cripplecreek]

I’m guessing it has to do with marketing. They want to be able to sell things that show his face.

[MeshugeMikey]

perhaps a mask that would make his face look like it was adorned with War Paint would have worked better

[MeshugeMikey]

that indeed is a rare treat!

[Flick Lives]

The carbon fiber one does look cooler.

[MeshugeMikey]

the NBA’s reasons for insisting he lose the black mask were not stated..

Perhaps the white players complained?...../s

[Tax-chick]

Regardless of LeBron James personally, anything that might lead viewers consciously to associate the NBA with ski-mask-wearing thugs is bad press.

[MeshugeMikey]

the war paint approach....in Team Colors would likely have frosted the NBA management!

[nuconvert]

yup - I think that’s what the NBA was afraid of

[Bratch]

[MeshugeMikey]

see my resolution in post 17!