CLEVELAND — One month from the start of the NBA’s free-agency frenzy, LeBron James has handicapped his field of suitors.
The Cleveland Cavaliers lead the pack, but he isn’t close to making a decision and when he does sign, he wants it to be with a team that can win multiple championships and “not just because of LeBron James.”
In his first interview since the Cav’s season ended with a shocking, second-round loss to Boston, James told CNN’s Larry King that Cleveland has “an edge” to re-sign him when the greatest collection of free agents in league history hits the open market on July 1.
King, who interviewed James at the two-time MVP’s home near Akron on Tuesday, asked the superstar if Cleveland has “an edge going in?”
“Absolutely. Because, you know, this city, these fans, I mean, have given me a lot in these seven years. And, you know, for me, it’s comfortable. So I’ve got a lot of memories here. And — and so it does have an edge,” James said.
Also during the interview, James said he can’t wait for July 1 to arrive and that he has not yet decided where he’ll sign.
“I’m far from close,” he was quoted as saying in a transcript posted by The Plain Dealer of Cleveland. “July is still a month away, less than a month away. I’ve thought about it, but I haven’t began to strategize exactly.”
Full story: 2010 NBA free agents: LeBron James to CNN: Cleveland Cavaliers have ‘edge’ to sign him – ESPN