LeBron James not ruling out return to Cavaliers

FILE - In this March 29, 2011, file photo, Miami Heat's LeBron James (6) signals a play against the Cleveland Cavaliers in an NBA basketball game in Cleveland. In recent weeks, James' future has been a topic of conversation in Cleveland, where some fans wonder if there could be a day when he plays for the Cavaliers again. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan, File)

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 12: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat waits for a free throw against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on February 12, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

LeBron James says he could picture returning to the place where his NBA journey began.

Back in Cleveland.

Imagine that.

After practicing in a gym where he refined his game for seven seasons, James said Thursday he would not rule out a return to the Cavaliers, the team he carried to the brink of a championship before he spurned an entire region by leaving as a free agent for Miami in 2010.

Asked if he could play for the Cavs again, James initially paused before giving his answer.

“I don’t know. I think it would be great,” he said. “It would be fun to play in front of these fans again. I had a lot fun times in my seven years here. You can’t predict the future and hopefully I continue to stay healthy. I’m here as a Miami Heat player, and I’m happy where I am now, but I don’t rule that out in no sense.

“And if I decide to come back, hopefully the fans will accept me.”

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