LeBron James didn’t like it, but a bet’s a bet. And when you lose a bet, you pay the winner.
The Cleveland Cavaliers star made a bet with former Miami Heat teammate Dwyane Wade before the World Series. If the Cubs won, then James would have to wear a full Cubs uniform the next time the Cavaliers played in Chicago.
The Cubs did indeed win the Series, earning their first championship in 108 years when they overcame a 3-1 deficit to rally past the Cleveland Indians.
So the payoff came Friday night, as James and the Cavaliers came to town to play the Chicago Bulls. James donned a Cubs jersey, pants and cap. No cleats, though.
“I’m not wearing cleats,” he had told reporters on Thursday. “No glove. Just the uniform.”
As James walked through the arena before Friday night’s game, he was met by a gleeful Wade, who videotaped his rival.
"My Indians gave everything they had," James said in an earlier video posted on the Bleacher Report website. "But the Cubs came back, and, you know, they showed what true champions was all about.
“Meanwhile, I’m pinstriped-up, walking into a nationally televised game in Chicago because of a bet I lost.”
"It's a bet," James continued. "You have to fulfill your bet. Nothing more to it."
Cleveland’s luck against Chicago continued to sour, as the Cavaliers lost 111-105 despite James’ 27-point night. Wade helped Chicago to victory by scoring 24 points.
