Jay-Z and Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov put in their official pitch to recruit NBA all-star player Lebron James for their Brooklyn Nets team on Thursday (July 1). The Brooklyn rapper, who owns a small stake in the team, sat down for a 90-minute session with James, majority owner Prokhorov and Nets coach Avery Johnson to kick off the million-dollar bidding war for the two-time NBA MVP.Johnson reported that the meeting went "well," before the Nets team packed up and headed to Chicago to meet with other free agents Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. Hov and Prokhorov's pitch was followed by a presentation from the New York Knicks, who were allotted two hours to woo the 25-year-old star, with the allure of playing at the infamous Madison Square Garden. In the upcoming week, at least six NBA teams, including James' hometown Cavaliers, the Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Clippers will make their pitches.
James' decision isn't expected to be finalized for at least another week, but in the meantime sports bloggers are having a ball by pitting Jay-Z's Nets against the Knicks. The rap mogul's longtime friendship with James have led many to believe that James might be more inclined to join the Nets in the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
The Nets recently launched their Blueprint campaign -- a spin off of Jay-Z's recent album the 'Blueprint 3' -- to rebuild the ailing team. Images of Jay-Z and Prokhorov bearing the slogan "The Blueprint for Greatness," can be found on Internet ads, and outdoor locations in Newark and New York, including the most visible mural painted above the Knicks' home at Madison Square Garden.
Taylor Swift Dominates at 2013 Billboard Music Awards
Kellie Pickler Named 'Dancing With the Stars' Champion
Beyonce Releases New Anthem, 'Grown Woman'
J. Cole Performs 'Born Sinner' on 'Late Night With Jimmy Fallon,' Reveals Competitive Spirit Against Kanye West
Carrie Underwood 'Goats' Hunter Hayes With Blown Away Tour Prank
PHOTO: Dog Guards Dead Victim's Body After Oklahoma Tornado Disaster
Tim McGraw's 'Superstar Summer Night' Special to Air May 19
Demi Looks FANTASTIC In A Bikini
Blake Shelton Will Return for Season 5 of 'The Voice'
Man Reportedly Beheaded In Brutal Assault In London Neighborhood
Toby Keith Says His Hometown of Moore, Oklahoma 'Will Perservere' After Deadly Tornado
Wolf Blitzer's Embarrassing Moment With Tornado Survivor
Tim McGraw Stops Atlanta Show to Help Ailing Fan
Who Won 'DWTS'?
Miguel and Fan Are 'Okay' After Crazy Kick at 2013 Billboard Music Awards
PHOTOS: This Is The Best Response To Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries We've Seen Yet
The World's Most Powerful Women
Rescuers Continue Search For Tornado Survivors
Mother Dies With Infant During Oklahoma Tornado
PHOTOS: Christie Brinkley Gets Back Into A Swimsuit At 59 Years Old
U.S. Acknowledges Four American Citizens Killed In Drone Strikes
NY Times Eviscerates Obama White House
Help For Heroes Killing
LOOK: Bank Vault Saves 22 Lives During Tornado
60 Minutes Makes All The Difference For $360 Million Jackpot
PHOTOS: Tornado Aftermath Leaves Trail Of Destruction
15 Incredible Cat Photobombs
White Father Allegedly Suspected Of Kidnapping Biracial Daughters
Singer Sues McDonald's, Claims Chicken Sandwich Incident Ruined Her Voice
CBS Reporter's Grave Allegations
Mila Kunis And Ashton Kutcher Put Their Romance On Display
Tara Ellison: Why I Gave A Toast At My Ex-Husband's Wedding
Tornadoes Strike Oklahoma
