When LeBron James Smiles This Sunday, He Won't Be Showing Teeth; Just Personality

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2010, LeBron James took his talent to South Beach; but his talent wasn't the only thing he took with him.

When the season opened, LeBron James wasn't just sporting a new jersey, but a new mouthguard, custom-made to perfectly fit the exact structure of his mouth. And when James takes his talent to this weekend's NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans, he'll be bringing an even newer custom mouthguard as well.

"We've been working with LeBron and his athletic trainer, Mike Mancias, for a number of years now, and have had the chance to design some truly innovative mouthguards for great moments in his career," said Bobbie Quinn, co-founder of Sport Guard Inc., the company behind the Gladiator Custom Mouthguards James wears. "And we are especially excited for the opportunity to help him make a statement at the All-Star Game."

That statement is more than two years in the making, as the NBA officially banned the use of images on mouthguards after the 2011-2012 NBA Playoffs. During Miami's championship run in June of 2012, James famously wore a Gladiator mouthguard featuring the Roman numeral "XVI," representing the 16 wins necessary for an NBA championship.

That wasn't the first time James wore a noticeable Gladiator Custom Mouthguard. On Halloween 2010, he unveiled his "Fangs,"  the first mouthguard used in an NBA game to feature a visible image.

Because it's considered an exhibition, the NBA's apparel rules aren't as strict during the All-Star Game, allowing James to wear the mouthguard of his choosing. And Gladiator is certainly providing him with options.

"We've produced four distinctly different designs for LeBron's All-Star mouthguard," continued Quinn. "We really had a great time coming up with different ideas representative of New Orleans, the All-Star Game and LeBron."

The four options will be unveiled on the Gladiator Guards Facebook page this week. But the question is: which one will James ultimately wear during Sunday's game?

"There are four quarters and four different mouthguards for him to choose from," said Quinn. "I think there's a chance we may see all four on the floor."

Keep an eye on LeBron James' mouth this Sunday; when he smiles, you won't see his usual clear Gladiator, but an insight into his personality.

Public Contact:
GladiatorGuards.com
1.877.8.GUARDS

About Gladiator Custom Mouthguards
For over 20 years, Sport Guard Inc. has been involved in the dental products industry and has grown to be the largest consumer-direct custom mouthguard provider in the nation.

After co-founder Bobbie Quinn's son suffered a concussion playing ice hockey, we began to specialize in the fabrication of custom mouthguards. Our passion has driven us to pursue perfection by acquiring extensive knowledge and research of the materials associated with the production of a custom mouthguard.

SOURCE Gladiator Custom Mouthguards