By Jeffrey Martin, USA TODAY Sports

Apparently, the best begets the best.

Miami Heat star LeBron James graces the cover of NBA 2K14, the latest edition of the immensely popular and decorated basketball video game franchise that has sold more than five million copies in each of the last three years.

2K14 will be released for current generation platforms on Oct. 1 and is slated to be available on the as-yet-determined launch dates for the next-generation PS4 and X-Box One. Jason Argent, senior vice president of sports operations for 2K Sports, said playing 2K14 on current- and next-generation platforms would be “independent experiences.”

Check out the game’s first trailer below, which premiered leading up to Game 1 of the NBA Finals, where James’ Miami Heat are facing the San Antonio Spurs. It features Steve Kerr as a private investigator.

James, who has never appeared on the cover of a video game before, was involved in what Argent billed as their “biggest endeavor yet,” which is hard to fathom considering Jay-Z was involved in 2K13 as its executive producer. You’ll have to take their word on that – more details will be available next week at E3. But there is a new mode, “Path to Greatness,” that will feature James in some capacity.

Also, those who pre-order 2K14 will have access to the “King James Bonus Pack,” which includes virtual currency (10,000), extra content on the “Path to Greatness,” James unlocked in “Blacktop” mode, and an all-new James signature move.

In addition to the trailer, LeBron has filmed a second promotional spot for 2K14 in which he promises “the best sports video game this world has ever seen.