NBA: LeBron James to ditch black mask

Miami Heat star forward LeBron James will comply with the NBA's request to replace his black mask for a clear one to protect his broken nose when the Heat play Saturday night (Sunday, PHL time) against the Orlando Magic.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said after Saturday's (Sunday, PHL time) shootaround that James will choose an NBA-approved mask to wear during games while his nose heals.

"We've had numerous ones made, so he will have his pick and will choose one that is authorized also by the league," Spoelstra said, according to ESPN.com. "We did talk to the league. So stay tuned for what mask you'll see tonight."

James wore a black carbon-fiber mask during Thursday night's (Friday, PHL time) win over the New York Knicks, and the design received plenty of attention on social media.

James said after the game that he did not seek approval from the NBA for the design. Initially, the NBA did not indicate that it had an issue with the mask but has since requested that James wear a clearer version.

A source close to James told ESPN.com on Friday (Saturday, PHL time) that James planned to appeal the NBA's decision. However, the two sides have since agreed on a compromise that would be comfortable for James while conforming with the NBA's preference for a more traditional protective mask.

James did not speak to the media after Saturday's (Sunday, PHL time) shootaround but will likely address the situation after his arrival at AmericanAirlines Arena for the game.

It is not the first time the NBA has asked a player to replace a black mask with a clear one. Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving and Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant could not get away with wearing black while trying to protect broken bones.

The Heat began to capitalize on the mask's popularity with fans, selling T-shirts with a picture of James wearing it. - Reuters