LeBron James to announce team decision on TV Thursday
LeBron James has announced he will make the decision of his next NBA team known to all via ESPN Thursday night.
NBA free agent LeBron James talks with high school players at the LeBron James Skills Academy for high school and college basketball players at Rhodes Arena on the University of Akron campus, in Akron, Ohio, Wednesday.
AP Photo/Phil Long
Cleveland
The Cleveland Cavaliers may be taking a final, desperation shot at re-signing free agent LeBron James.
New Cavs coach Byron Scott arrived to watch James and several Cleveland players work out on Wednesday as the NBA — and seemingly the entire sports world — prepares for the two-time MVP to announce which team he'll sign with during a national TV appearance on ESPN.
Scott showed up as James was taking the floor to run a few full-court games with Cavaliers Jamario Moon, Danny Green, Christian Eyenga and assistant coach Chris Jent. Scott was hired last week by the Cavs and was part of their team that made a presentation to James last week at his business office in downtown Cleveland.
Scott left about an hour later, saying "I'm always hopeful" in regards to James' situation.
Earlier, James made an announcement about his announcement.
On the third day of his Nike-sponsored skills academy, James confirmed on his relaunched website that he will end this free-agency insanity, which came more into focus with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh deciding to sign together with the Miami Heat. James' business manager, Maverick Carter, said Wednesday the MVP will say where he's playing next season and beyond at 9 p.m. on a program called "The Decision."
"Due to the unprecedented attention and interest surrounding LeBron's decision, we have decided to make this announcement on national television," Carter said on lebronjames.com. "By doing so we have generated funds that will be given to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. LeBron has a long-standing commitment to giving back to the community, and has worked with the Boys and Girls Clubs in cities across the country."
James also updated his new Twitter account, which had over 200,000 members in its first day, with a link to his site.
It is not yet known where James will make the announcement.
A person familiar with the location said James will not announce his future plans in Ohio. The person would not reveal the exact place and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because ESPN and James' representatives agreed to keep it a secret.
On big occasions in the past, James has gone to his alma mater, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. That's where he said he was turning pro and where he accepted his first MVP trophy last year. In May, he accepted his second straight MVP at Rhodes Arena on the University of Akron's campus.
James is expected to film something for his website at the school later on Wednesday.
One day before announcing his plans, James rolled out of bed and went to his basketball camp. He arrived at Rhodes at 10 a.m., wearing his signature New York Yankees' cap, T-shirt and shots. He plopped down on a courtside chair alongside former teammate Damon Jones and within minutes the back-to-back MVP was talking on his cell phone and sending text messages.
On Tuesday night, ESPN, citing "independent sources" said James had approached the network about the announcement, which will end a free-agent summer unlike any in NBA history.
Wade told The Associated Press in an interview he doesn't know what James will say during the show.
"I won't speak to him again until he makes his decision," Wade said. "And when it's over, I will congratulate him. But I will be watching."
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