Sixers Fans Start ‘Three Billboards’ Campaign Inspired By Movie To Bring LeBron James To Philadelphia

Philadelphia 76ers fans are taking big steps to persuade LeBron James to join the team.

Three Billboards for LeBron James Philadelphia

Three giant billboards have been displayed very close to each other along Cleveland’s Interstate 480 calling for the King to play for the Sixers. James, who has played for the Cavaliers since 2014, could opt out of the final year of his deal.

The campaign is inspired by the Academy Award-nominated film Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. The crime drama — which won four Golden Globes and is now nominated for seven Oscars including Best Picture — is directed by Martin McDonagh and stars Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell. It tells the story of a woman living in the titular Missouri town who decides to seek vengeance, including calling out the local police department for its ineptitude, following the rape and murder of her daughter. (The Oscars are this Sunday)

Since the movie’s release, dozens of other people have used the “three billboards” approach to tackle important issues or simply to make a statement about something. In Florida, three advertisements were displayed to criticize lawmakers — particularly Senator Marco Rubio — for their complicity in taking money from the NRA and refusing to do anything to curb gun violence in America. That campaign began in the wake of a shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida that left 17 dead.

Similarly, Serena Williams’ husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis O’Hanian, put up four similar billboards near Palm Springs, California with the couples’ infant daughter Olympia on them and with the words “Greatest momma of all time” on one of the ads to express his love for his tennis superstar wife.

The three billboards in LeBron’s case show first a basketball court with 23 (James’ jersey number) with a crown on it. The second poster reads: “Complete the process,” and the third says, “Philly wants LeBron.” The second ad makes reference to the Sixers’ “Trust the process” mantra.

The ads don’t come from the 76ers, however: instead, they were paid by Power Home Remodeling, a roofing and window contractor with headquarters in Philadelphia. A tiny message at the foot of the posters reads “Paid for by Power,” and include the brand’s logo.

“We’re passionate about Philadelphia,” Power Home Remodeling’s co-chief executive Asher Raphael told ESPN. “We have an amazing city, it’s the best sports town and it’s an awesome place to live. We think the best athletes should want to play here.”

Raphael added he would have preferred not to have his company’s logo on the billboards, although without it PHR considered it a political advertisement.

Power Home remodeling’s vice of public relations Michelle Bauer told CNBC via email that their campaign has reached nearly 80 million people on Twitter.

James recently criticized the NCAA, calling the collegiate organization “corrupt” for allowing so many incidents of basketball programs using illegal recruiting tactics and not dealing strong punishment more efficiently.

CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 06: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives past JaKarr Sampson #29 of the Sacramento Kings during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena on December 6, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won the game 101-95. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)