Look out, Manila: LeBron James is coming on July 23

Roll out the red carpet for “The King” himself, LeBron James.

In a stunning announcement Friday afternoon, Nike Philippines bared the Miami Heat superstar forward is coming to Manila on July 23 for a one-day promotional tour as part of the company’s “"Leave a Message" campaign.

The move is one of the company’s visions to "inspire the Filipino youth and aspiring basketball athletes to embark on their own pursuit of greatness.”

Tickets for the event are free charge and will be distributed on a first-come, first served basis at Nike Park in Bonifacio Global City at 12:00 p.m. this Wednesday, July 17. However, only two tickets will be given per individual.

"In the same way, Filipino fans will have a special opportunity to leave personal messages for LeBron through social media, radio and retail activation starting July 12, 2013," Nike Philippines said in a statement released to the media. "By visiting the Nike Basketball Facebook and Twitter pages, fans can “leave a message” for the two-time champion along with a photo of themself that express a personal message to LeBron. The caption of the photo should tag Nike Basketball Philippines (https://www.facebook.com/nikebasketball.phils) on Facebook or tag @NikePH on Twitter, both including the hashtag #WITNESSHISTORY. 

The arrival of the 28-year-old James, a four-time league MVP and a two-time NBA champion, is expected to be a massive hit among the basketball-minded Filipinos.

Also scheduled to visit the country are Houston Rocket star James Harden and New Orleans Pelican Eric Gordon, who will lend their prestige for the NBA 3X Philippines 2013 set on July 26 to 28 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Then this basketball-mad country gets a taste of an NBA game atmosphere on Oct. 13 at the MOA Arena courtesy of a preseason exhibition game between the Rockets, starring many-time All-Star center Dwight Howard and Harden, against the youthful Indiana Pacers, led by reigning league Most Improved Player Paul George.