The homecoming of LeBron James is almost complete. At 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, the Cleveland Cavaliers will take on the New York Knicks at home in what will be LeBron’s first game since his decision to “come home.”
When the King left for Miami, the city reeled. When he returned, it rejoiced. Nike has released this chilling ad entitled “Together,” in which LeBron breaks down the Cavs huddle with the entire city of Cleveland joining in.
He tells his teammates what—and who—they’re playing for:
Every single night, every single practice, every single game, we gotta give it all we got. Cuz’ they gon’ ride with us. Everything that we do on this floor is because of this city. We owe them. We gon’ grind for this city. They gon’ support us, man, but we gotta give it all back to them. We get it done. The toughness that we have on the court is gon’ come from this city. Everybody. The whole city of Cleveland. That’s what it’s all about. It’s time to bring ’em something special.
[Nike]
Basketball star LeBron James’ return to Cleveland is celebrated in the latest Beats by Dre commercial, which features Hozier’s hit single “Take Me to Church” playing in the background.
James, who grew up in Akron, Ohio, is returning to the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers after a four-year stint with the Miami Heat. The new Beats by Dre ad shows the athlete in the weight room preparing for another season while splicing in nostalgic shots of his hometown — all to the tune of Hozier’s gospel-tinged “Take Me to Church,” which helps give it a powerful and dramatic effect.
The 24-year-old Irish singer-songwriter recently crowned Top Rock Albums and started at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with his self-titled full-length debut. He launched with 58,000 copies sold (with 88 percent from digital sales), according to Nielsen SoundScan. The set also opened atop the Folk Albums chart.
Watch the two-and-a-half minute Beats by Dre clip below.
