LeBron James vs. Stephon Marbury "Shoe War"

Gezus Zaire analizes LeBron James' comments on the low price of Stephon Marbury's "Starbury" shoe on his radio show BPRN, in Cleveland!

By MARC BERMAN

March 30, 2007 -- Stephon MarburyStephon Marbury gave his sneaker rebuttal to LeBron James and said the Cavaliers superstar didn't do his "homework."

James, who has a $90 million endorsement contract with Nike, took a shot at the quality of Marbury's sneaker/apparel line before Wednesday's KnicksNew York Knicks game. The discounted Starbury shoes go for $14.98 and his T-shirts and sweatshirts for $9.99. By comparison, James' Zoom LeBron IV retails for $150 and a James' T-shirt for $55.

"I laughed," Marbury told The Post when he saw the remarks. "I'd rather own than be owned. When he retires, he's not going to own anything.

"I don't think he did his homework," Marbury added. "We're putting out the same stuff he's putting out, just at an affordable price. But I understand that he's got to say that because it's part of the business."

James said Wednesday he would never have a discount line.

"Me being with Nike, we hold our standards high. And we do a great job of putting out great merchandise, great shoes. It does come with a price that is pretty high, but at the same time you're getting great quality for it."

Marbury, who makes $17 million this season on his Knicks' contract, said he's not in it for the money. James is making $5.8M on the tail end of his rookie-scale deal.