LEBRON JAMES TAKES A $2 MILLION A YEAR ENDORSEMENT . . . AWAY FROM JAY Z!! (DETAILS PLUS PICS OF THE LOVELY SAVANNAH)

There's a small COUP taking place in the world of luxury branding. was hearing as early as last year that Jay Z had all but landed a new endorsement deal with the luxury watchmaker Audemar Piquet.

So we were SURPRISED to hear that when Audemars announced their NEW BRAND AMBASSADOR . . . it was LeBron James.

First, LeBron ditched Jigga for Miami now THIS. Jay ain't used to LOSING . . .