<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">CLEVELAND (AP) -- LeBron James thinks he can help fast friend Ted Ginn Jr. become a bigger star. Further broadening his business portfolio, the Cavaliers' forward has signed Ginn, the former Ohio State speedster now a rookie wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins, to a marketing contract. Ginn is the first athlete signed by LRMR Marketing, James' budding sports marketing company. "To do this, not so much for money but to maybe get on a Sprite commercial with LeBron or anything, that'd be fun," Ginn said. Ginn, who signed a five-year contract worth more than $13 million last week, said knowing James for years made the decision an easy one. "A lot of football guys don't get a lot of marketing their first couple years coming out," he said. "You've got to do big things to do that. He's been a good friend to me for the last four or five years, so the best thing for me is get involved with someone I know." James formed the marketing firm two years ago with childhood friends Richard Paul, Maverick Carter and Randy Mims. The company takes its name from the initials of the foursome's first names. The group's goal was to heighten James' profile through endorsement deals and business deals. The 22-year-old star, who led Cleveland to its first NBA finals last season, is one of the world's most recognized athletes. While not on as grand of a scale, LRMR is hoping to enhance Ginn's image with business ventures. "We're excited about working with Ted," said Maverick Carter, LRMR's CEO. "We've known him for a long time and he's someone who has the same values we do. We have a lot of respect for him and his family." </div> Source: Yahoo Sports
