LeBron James may have gained plenty of praise for his carbon fiber Batman-style mask he wore on Thursday night, however, that didn’t stop the NBA from sending a memo to James to change his black mask to a clear one for Saturday’s game.
The four-time MVP broke his nose in a game on February 20 and came back against the Knicks wearing the black protective mask and he scored 31 points in a 108-82 victory.
After the game was in the books James got companions to everyone from Batman, Zorro and even Darth Vader. The Heat went as far as to promote James black mask on T-shirts.
On Friday, James got word from the NBA saying he couldn’t wear the mask citing it wasn’t a rule but more of a request because they wanted a fair playing field and wanted opponents to see his face.
Over the last 25 years the NBA has seen some interesting masks from big men and future hall of famers. The only question that needs to be asked is were there any face masks better than LeBron’s? Take a look below of some of the famous face masks by other NBA ballers. Are they as cool as LeBrons?
Žydrūnas Ilgauskas
When: 2004
Cool Factor: 3 out of 10
In 2004, Cleveland Cavs center Zydrunas Ilgauskas had to wear a face mask to protect his broken nose. We’re all for protecting broken body parts, but the face mask looks like something from a Star Wars with all the straps it came with. It didn’t become part of his every game ritual, and the mask got an early boot.
Richard Hamilton
When: 2004
Cool Factor: 7 out of 10
When Hamilton donned the mask it was supposed to be for a short time. He had to wear it for facial reconstructive surgeries to keep his face safe in the 2004. Since then the mask has been apart of him. He’s gone as far as saying the mask was his ”good luck charm.” Richard Hamilton might just be the first player to sport a headband with a face mask giving it a little bit of cool factor.
Kobe Bryant
When: 2012
Cool Factor: 6 out of 10
Kobe aka the Black Mamba was forced to wear a face mask because of a broken nose caused by fellow all-star Dwyane Wade during the 2012 NBA All-Star game. Even with a broken nose and a concussion, the Black Mamba found a way to play and was fitted with a “Phantom of the Opera” mask which worked will with Bryant who scored 30 points per game during his mask wearing days.
Alonzo Mourning
When: 1998
Cool Factor: 5 out of 10
One of the better centers during the 90′s when centers really mattered. Zo had to wear a mask during a short period of time in the 1998 season because of the physical play. The mask itself looked like Zo could take off his entire face with the mask like he was some sort of robot. It didn’t have any cool elements about it nor did it have any under whelming features.
Bill Laimbeer
When: 1988
Cool Factor: 6 out of 10
Bill Laimbeer wore a mask during his playing days due to his defensive positioning and constant fights for the loose balls with his extreme physical play. And with his playing style Laimbeer suffered injuries to his nose and face, but he wanted to have a long career (and who wouldn’t want that?) he had to wear the mask. It added more of an intimidating factor to his already bad boy image he had in the league.
Carl Herrera
When: 1996
Cool Factor: 1 out of 10
Carl Herrera has one of the creepiest mask you will see in NBA History. It gave us that creepy Zorro and R. Kelly Pied Piper feel. As long as the mask did it’s job to project what it had to protect, but still creepy.
Kyrie Irving
When: 2012
Cool Factor: 9 out of 10
After breaking a bone in his face during the 2012 season Irving made a return with a black mask. When he wore the mask during a game at MSG, Irving scored Irving scored 41 points (including 17 in the fourth quarter). If only if he could wear the mask every game.
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GIANT Life (@giant_life) July 09, 2013
