5 million units later, it seems as if 2K Sports was on to something.

Last year, the company released its 2K11 basketball game to much press and fanfare, in part because it was not only a well reviewed game…it had a legend on its cover.

A year later, that legend, Michael Jordan, is back for another cover, but he’s bringing some friends.

2K Sports announced Thursday that the cover art of their upcoming NBA simulation game, “NBA 2K12,” will feature not just the return of Michael Jordan but also covers featuring 1980s greats Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. Each athlete will be shown separately on three distinct covers of the video game packaging.

The artwork of each athlete was created for 2K Sports by artist Adam Larson. Larson’s sports work has been highlighted in a cover of ESPN Magazine, featured in art galleries and won numerous awards.

Jason Argent, vice president of marketing for 2K Sports, said after the huge success of Jordan on the cover for “NBA 2K11,” the company signed His Airness to a multiyear partnership. But he said the company wanted to give fans more than just a repeat. (via CNN)

Jordan, Magic, and Bird. Three different covers but all for the same game. According to 2k Sports, the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game will feature an equal number of each cover at retail locations in the United States. Everyone else — other platforms and non-U.S. locations — will receive Michael Jordan for the second year in a row.

“We are constantly focused on breaking the mold, not falling into any sort of pattern,” he said. “We wanted to make a big statement and a big departure and continue to evolve and grow this franchise, which has been such a great level of success for us.”

Look for NBA 2k12, and your favorite cover, to hit stores this October.

Quick, name your favorite McDonalds commercial.

If you mentioned the iconic Larry Bird/Michael Jordan “Showdown” for a Big Mac, then I have some good news for you.  The commercial is getting a 2010 update…for the Super Bowl.  And this year’s Larry and Michael?  None other than LeBron James and Dwight Howard.  A sample of the spot is below.

First thought?  Why in the world did McDonalds get Dwight Howard for a shooting contest?  I mean, his personality is great, but when I think trick shots, I can’t honestly say Howard is my first thought.  Apparently, I wasn’t the only one with this line of thinking…

Consider that an April 2007 Ad Age story heralded that the fast feeder was in talks with Mr. James and fellow NBA star Dwyane Wade to participate in a remake of the spot.

In that story, then-McDonald’s USA CMO Bill Lamar noted that the roots of the idea dated six months before that. He said McDonald’s kicked the idea to Omnicom’s TBWA/Chiat/Day to “get a chance to see Lee Clow’s ideas engaged” on brand efforts, Mr. Lamar said at the time.

So much for fast food. It took more than three years, but the spot has finally arrived, sans Mr. Wade, Mr. Lamar and TBWA. This spot, which does feature Mr. James, co-stars Orlando Magic Center Dwight Howard, was produced by Translation, and was overseen by a new McDonald’s USA CMO, Neil Golden. (via AdAge)

Wow, three years is quite a long time to have a commercial in flux.  Of course, maybe its a blessing in disguise for McDonalds.  Three years ago, LeBron James was a great player.  Nowadays, many are already crowning him a legend and a global icon.

His extra stature seemingly wouldn’t do anything but help the already high profile McDonalds ad.