LeBron keeps quiet about free agent decision
AKRON, Ohio » A pointed finger, smile, chuckle and head shake. That was all.
If LeBron James has made up his mind, he’s not saying so.
The world must wait.
The NBA’s most wanted man offered no clues about his highly anticipated free-agent decision yesterday after making an unexpected appearance—and getting in a few hoop games with good friend Chris Paul—at his Nike skills academy at the University of Akron.
After working out for 2 hours and then icing both his knees and right elbow for another hour, James, wearing a white T-shirt and his familiar New York Yankees cap, headed toward the door of Rhodes Arena.
On his way out, he was asked by the Associated Press if he had anything to say.
James pointed toward a reporter in the balcony, smiled and shook his head in amusement. He then drove away in a white Bentley, one of seven vehicles in a caravan that included Paul, manager Maverick Carter, business partner Rich Paul and security personnel.
Carter also politely declined comment to the AP.
James, who is considering offers from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls and at least four other teams, was not expected to appear at the first day of the camp featuring some of the nation’s top high school and college players. However, not only did James show up, he got in a spirited workout that included shooting drills and scrimmages.
James guarded Duke’s Kyle Singler and Dayton’s Chris Wright during the 5-on-5 runs that virtually stopped everyone in the gym. Looking even more fit than usual, James had a few spectacular moves and threw a lob pass to Christian Eyenga, Cleveland’s first-round draft pick in 2009, for a jaw-dropping alley-oop dunk.
If the pressure of a decision that has several franchises and a few cities on hold was weighing on him, James didn’t show it. He joked around with Paul, former Cavs teammate Damon Jones and Cleveland’s Jawad Williams, now a restricted free agent. James also signed a sneaker tossed down to him by a youngster, who after getting it back, walked out in his socks so he wouldn’t mess up the autograph.
James is not expected to make his big announcement until the three-day camp ends tomorrow, one day before players can officially sign new contracts. He is scheduled to return to the camp today.