LAS VEGAS — LeBron James worked out and had a meeting agenda Tuesday. ADVERTISING LAS VEGAS — LeBron James worked out and had a meeting agenda Tuesday. In another summer of NBA Free Agent Frenziness, if James knows where he
LAS VEGAS — LeBron James worked out and had a meeting agenda Tuesday.
In another summer of NBA Free Agent Frenziness, if James knows where he will be playing next season, he still isn’t saying.
Asked by The Associated Press how free agency was going when his afternoon meeting agenda was apparently complete, the four-time MVP said “no complaints.” He offered a quick greeting, and provided no hints of anything — including when his next “Decision” will be known — before leaving with a wave.
The entire exchange lasted about eight seconds. James, who has been relatively quiet while weighing his options, never broke stride.
He was upstairs in an exclusive part of a Las Vegas hotel Tuesday, holding court for a little more than three hours before emerging in the lobby, walking toward his assembled brain trust — including longtime manager Maverick Carter and Nike representatives, a sponsor of the LeBron James Skills Academy he’ll be hosting in Las Vegas starting Wednesday — and got whisked away.
James is expected to meet with Miami Heat President Pat Riley before making a final decision on his NBA future, and a person close to the situation said that meeting had not happened as of Tuesday afternoon. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because no one has publicly announced the date of the meeting.
Some of James’ representatives have met with several teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers.
After filming a TV commercial in Coral Gables, Florida on Monday, James flew to Las Vegas, which was planned because of his academy. Later this week, he’s expected to travel to Brazil to the World Cup final.
He took time to Tuesday morning to work out with Dwyane Wade in Las Vegas before his meetings, another person close to the situation told the AP. Like James, Wade has also not announced his plans for next season and beyond, though it is still largely expected that the 2006 NBA Finals MVP and three-time champion will remain in Miami.
James’ future remains anyone’s guess.
And it appears the buildup to his second foray into free-agent craziness will last longer than the one that culminated in him going to Miami in 2010. He made that announcement on July 8, 2010 — exactly four years ago Tuesday.
Unlike 2010, James has kept a much lower profile during his courtship. While he was on a family vacation, his agent, Rich Paul, met in Cleveland with the Cavs as well as the Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns, all of whom pitched plans as to why the 29-year-old superstar should sign with them.
James wanted to contain the madness that surrounded his first foray into free agency four years ago, but the growth of social media has turned the past week into an endless storm of rumors, speculation and baseless media reports.
While James may be nearing an announcement, that won’t come until he’s met with Riley. And the Heat have been making moves as well, announcing Monday that they intend to sign forwards Danny Granger and Josh McRoberts, two free agents to bolster their roster.
Frye gets big deal from Magic
ORLANDO, Fla. — A person familiar with the deal says veteran forward Channing Frye has agreed to a four-year, $32 million deal with the Orlando Magic
The person spoke Monday on condition of anonymity because the deal can’t be signed until July 10 under NBA free agency rules.
The 31-year-old Frye opted out of the final year of his contract with Phoenix to become an unrestricted free agent.
After missing the entire 2012-13 season for treatment of an enlarged heart, Frye started all 82 games last season, averaging 11.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. He is best known for his long-range shooting, making 37 percent of his 3-point attempts last season.
Westbrook won’t play for USA this summer
USA Basketball says Oklahoma City guard Russell Westbrook will not participate this summer so he can rest some previous knee injuries.
Chairman Jerry Colangelo said Tuesday that USA Basketball had been communicating with Westbrook since the end of the season and knew his withdrawal was a possibility.
Westbrook was a member of the Americans’ gold medal-winning teams at the 2010 World Championship and 2012 Olympics. He has had multiple knee operations since, though was able to help the Thunder reach the Western Conference finals.
Colangelo said in a statement that the U.S. would love to have Westbrook but that “this is the right decision.”
The Americans will begin training camp on July 28 in Las Vegas, a month before the World Cup of Basketball opens in Spain.
By wire sources
