As if LeBron James didn’t have enough motivation to keep the Miami Heat alive deep into the NBA playoffs, soon there will be more: promotion for his new health-and-energy product: Sheets energy strips.

Scheduled for widespread release in GNC stores later this month, Sheets are individually wrapped, caffeine-and-vitamin-infused strips (each of which is about the size of a piece of chewing gum) that dissolve instantly on the tongue. They contain no sugar or calories.

Designed as a convenient, cost-effective alternative to energy drinks, Sheets may well alter the energy-product landscape that is currently dominated by products such as 5-hour Energy, Red Bull and Celsius.

When the product’s prototype was introduced to James more than a year ago (when he was still a Cleveland Cavalier), he was immediately impressed. So much so that he became a company co-founder with its originators, Warren Struhl and Jesse Itzler.

And James isn’t the only recognizable name who’s on board with Sheets. Other celebrity endorsers include fellow NBA superstar (and Florida native) Amare Stoudemire of the New York Knicks; NFL running back Ray Rice of the Baltimore Ravens; and recording artists Pitbull, DMC and Doug E. Fresh.

Nothing else like it

Sheets energy strips differentiate themselves from competitors in the energy category in two ways: delivery system and price.

Energy drinks such as the aforementioned Celsius and Red Bull come in 12-ounce cans (5-hour Energy is a 2-ounce “shot”). Therefore, they’re less portable and require that the user consume more fluid than he or she might be inclined to.

Canned and shot energy drinks usually run anywhere from $1.75 to $3.50 per serving, depending on where you buy them.

Although retail prices haven’t been disclosed, on Sheets’ website (www.takeasheet.com), a 10-strip box sells for $5.95 (60 cents per serving); four-strip boxes will also be available.

When Sheets becomes available in GNC stores (as well as in up to 30,000 other independent outlets), a $10 million marketing campaign will accompany it.

But nothing will give Sheets more exposure than James leading the Heat to an NBA title . Judging from Sunday’s lifeless second-half performance, however, every player on the team might want to try an extra dose.

~ steve_dorfman@pbpost.com

Boomer Buzz: Need a quick boost?

The last thing you want to do is rely on energy drinks for pep. But, on those occasions when you need a little extra something, these (and many other similar) products are at the ready to give you a quick boost:

5-hour Energy: One of the original ‘shot’ products, 5-hour Energy is the nutrition world’s version of a Cuban cafecito – but with far less caffeinated pop. From the plastic bottle’s four calories, you will get what celebrity endorser Jim Rome describes as a ‘mentally alert’ feeling – but don’t expect it to last more than an hour or two.

< Celsius: Manufactured in Delray Beach and endorsed by the extremely fit Mario Lopez, Celsius claims that you’ll ‘burn up to 100 calories and more’ by consuming a 10-calorie can just before exercise. Can’t verify that, myself, but I have used Celsius before training and find it helps with my endurance.

> Red Bull: Big with the under-25 set, regular Red Bull is full of sugar and calories, so I’ve never tried it. Tried the sugar-free version once, but was so put off by the taste, I couldn’t finish it.

You can read reviews of energy products at screamingenergy.com . Of course, before consuming these, or any other, caffeinated energy products, consult with your physician – especially if you have a cardiac condition.

Finally, don’t let your kids anywhere near caffeinated energy drinks. As reported recently in The New York Times, ‘These kinds of products have been linked to heart palpitations, high blood pressure and even cardiac arrest and death – and may pose special risks to young people who take medication or have chronic illnesses.’