Will Brinson kicked it in Akron with Nike and LeBron James for the release of LBJ's new shoe and documentary. We're referring it as 'Ballin' With LeBron.'Okey doke, so everyone knows that the giant fluorescent elephant hanging around Cleveland these days is the as-yet unsigned extension that Danny Ferry and the Cavaliers have offered LeBron James. The key, of course, is the "unsigned" part -- until LeBron inks a contract with Cleveland (or a certain team who's panache is highly overrated just because they play in America's biggest city) he'll continue to be hounded by journalists, bloggers and sad/desperate Cavs fans. Which is what happened when he met with FanHouse (and other members of the media recently). Bron's comments about his future in basketball, dealing with the addition of Shaquille O'Neal, Rashard Lewis' suspension, shaking hands, getting dunked on and rapping with Lil' Wayne after the jump.
"My agent ... has sat down with Danny [Ferry] and had a great conversation. But I signed a contract in 2006 for a reason – to keep my options open."
On whether he's worried about it becoming a distraction:
"I think you know me by now – I don't let distractions get to me. Me being the leader of the team, if I don't get distracted then my teammates won't. So I don't think it will be a problem."
On his conversations with Shaq this summer:
"Um, we look forward to the challenge. You know ... we're looking forward to this upcoming year. We've got a lot to prove ... Fact is, when you get an opportunity to play with one of the greatest basketball players ever to play the game of basketball, that's the fun part for me– I'm humbled to play alongside one of the greatest basketball players ever, most dominant ever ..."
On what kind of celebrations he and Shaq will incorporate:
"We'll figure it out – we'll talk about it. But I'm sure with the great minds we have, we'll figure something out."
On Rashard Lewis' suspension:
"It's unfortunate for one – I know Rashard really well and I know he's not that type of guy to do anything to get an edge over another player. That's first and foremost ... you just gotta use great judgment. We have guys in our league that are with us every day and to find out for you if this is banned or not banned by the NBA, so you've got to use their judgment to go out and find out for you. But at the same time, we all know Rashard Lewis and he's not one of those guys that's gonna go out and try and take anything that would give him an edge over anybody or take something that's banned that would benefit him. So, when he gets back from the suspension, I can't wait to see him get back."
On the evolution of the Shaq deal:
"When I heard about it, it was like: 'How do I see Shaq as a teammate? Would I be comfortable with having him as a teammate? Would I love to play beside him?' Of course I would. Any man that wouldn't say 'yes' is a fool, so I'm excited about it."
LeBron James Photos
The new Nike Air Max LeBron VII shoes is displayed during an event at Ed Davis Community Center in Akron, Ohio on Friday, Aug. 7, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jason Miller)
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Saturday Night Live cast member Kenan Thompson, left, Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, center, and footwear designer Jason Petrie, right, reveal the new Nike Air Max LeBron VII shoes during an event at Ed Davis Community Center in Akron, Ohio on Friday, Aug. 7, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jason Miller)
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Saturday Night Live cast member Kenan Thompson, left, Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, center, and footwear designer Jason Petrie, right, reveal the new Nike Air Max LeBron VII shoes during an event at Ed Davis Community Center in Akron, Ohio on Friday, Aug. 7, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jason Miller)
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Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, center, talks with Rich Paul, left, and former high school teammate Brandon Weems, right, before an event where James revealed his new Nike Air Max LeBron VII shoes during an event at Ed Davis Community Center in Akron, Ohio on Friday, Aug. 7, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jason Miller)
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Cleveland Cavalier forward LeBron James answers questions from the media after revealing his new Nike Air Max LeBron VII shoes during an event at Ed Davis Community Center in Akron, Ohio on Friday, Aug. 7, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jason Miller)
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Cleveland Cavalier forward LeBron James answers questions from the media after revealing his new Nike Air Max LeBron VII shoes during an event at Ed Davis Community Center in Akron, Ohio on Friday, Aug. 7, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jason Miller)
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Cleveland Cavalier forward LeBron James reveals his new Nike Air Max LeBron VII shoes during an event at Ed Davis Community Center in Akron, Ohio on Friday, Aug. 7, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jason Miller)
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Cleveland Cavalier forward LeBron James talks with friends before an event where he revealed his new Nike Air Max LeBron VII shoes at Ed Davis Community Center in Akron, Ohio on Friday, Aug. 7, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jason Miller)
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FILE -- This is a June 28, 2009 file photo showing LeBron James at the 9th Annual BET Awards, in Los Angeles. In "Shooting Stars," written by James and co-author Buzz Bissinger, James said the SI cover and the media attention he and his high school teammates received was difficult to handle. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, File)
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©BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM Basketball player LeBron James (aka King James) is escorted by security as he leaves club MyHouse. NON-EXCLUSIVE July 21, 2009 Job: 90722W8 Los Angeles, California www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com
GWOOD/bauergriffinonline.com
On the handshake thing from Game 6:
"The one thing I would do different, I would definitely do the media [meeting] – I realize that [the media's] job doesn't begin until ours ends. Unless you're a sideline reporter or you're doing something during warmups, you don't get a chance to report until after the game. So doing the media is something I would have done differently. As far as the handshake, you look at certain sports – you look at tennis, every time the game ends, you shake hands. That's what you're supposed to do, that's what's done. In the game of basketball, it's not like it happens all the time. You go through 82 regular season games, if you don't shake hands, no one ever mentions it. It's not like I'm a poor sport or anything like that, it's just not common. The fact that I didn't do media and didn't shake anyone's hands, that's what it got all about. For me, I would never accept losing, and me being frustrated about losing got me to the point where I didn't do media, but I won't apologize for not shaking anyone's hands."
On whether his signing with Nike was one of his most defining moments:
"You know, you have a dream about having your own signature line and your own signature shoe. So, I don't look at this like it's the defining time, like I'd made it, I never look at it like that. I looked at it like I was going to be in a position with a great company where I can help hopefully business with them and they can help me. And now seven years later, it's been everything I've expected."
On looking at the past, examining the present and seeing the future:
"I'm at a great position in my life right now. Being 24 years old and having some of the things happen in my life that have happened, some great things. Now in production, with having a movie coming out and having a new shoe come out ... I try to stay humble. No matter what I'm doing, I try and represent myself and my family and also my friends that are here. Entertainment-wise, we'll see. We'll see. "
On the rumor that he threw down verses with Lil' Wayne when the rapper was in town:
"Not true."
[Room fills with laughter]
On doing an album with Shaq:
"No way. That's not in the mix. I can rap other people's stuff and I can rehearse and do other people's songs, like karaoke, but I know what I do best and that's not what I do."
On whether he considers the trade deadline a turning point of the season [because the Cavs didn't make any of the rumored deals]? "Well the rumor was that we could have landed Shaq at that point also, um, and I think that would have brought a dynamic to our team that would have really helped us, but when it didn't happen, we were still rolling. We were still rolling throughout the whole season and we just ran into Orlando who just exploited us, but we don't feel like the trade deadline hurt us."
On being pressed further about the contract extension:
"I signed the contract in 2006 with an option and it would make no sense for me to sign that contract if I didn't keep my options open, so I'll let you fill in the blanks."
On the video of LeBron getting dunked on:
"It's a play that happens in the game of basketball. You know, if you like to call yourself a shot blocker, like I like to call myself every now and then, it may happen. I misjudged the ball and Jordan is a really good player and I look forward to seeing him play this year -- all the college guys at my camp are great players, I'm looking forward to seeing all those guys. When you've got the top 15 best players in the country working out with you, it can happen. If you knew my ratio for me getting dunked on and me dunking on people (laughter erupts in the room) ... I think you can times mine by 50."
On what's next:
"Growing up in a city in Ohio we had high aspirations and dreams. We have a 10 city tour coming up soon -- we hit 10 cities in America, and China and Europe, and you know, when you get the opportunity to see my inspiration in a pair of shoes or apparel, it comes from my heart so I'm looking forward to it."
On Christmas Day and Lakers v. Cavs:
"That game is so far from the regular season but I understand it's a huge game. First of all, being in LA on Christmas is something I didn't want -- I love to be home and see the snow, which I'm kind of used to. But my family said they'd rather be in LA and see the sunshine and everything like that. [Room fills with laughter] It's going to be a really good game, it's going to be great for the TV, it's going to be great for coverage and hopefully at that point we're going to be playing great basketball and we'll use that game to help us get better and try to win."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-10-2009 @ 4:16PM
Giles said...
Next summer, obviously, if he leaves Ohio, top of the list should probably be Orlando, since Howard is under contract, or whereever Yao signs, Houston or elsewhere. But cold weather is tougher on the wife and kids than the athlete. He`s out of town half the time anyway. And has to visit cold climates regardless where his home base is. He has moved his summer camp to San Diego, so a team moving from Akron to San Diego might have an enhanced chance of signing him, especially if they have an all star to help lure him under contract. But chances are, none of the teams with all stars will be moving. A shame Linas Kleiza had to sign in Greece, he could have helped the Cavs, or several other teams. James is not a good perimeter shooter, and that`s the main thing Kleiza is good for. Maybe the Cavs can pry Bonner away from San Antonio, he`s another big who can`t do much but shoot in the 3.
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8-10-2009 @ 5:34PM
djpunkass16 said...
Is he going to be the next MJ for his generation??
visit and subscribe www.sportsupdates4you.blogspot.com
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8-10-2009 @ 6:03PM
Mr.G said...
Giles< I'm not sure what the stats are,but I think James has become a pretty good perimeter shooter.He takes his entire game to a higher level every year and his outside shooting is coming along fine.In the 2nd half of last years season,it seemed like he was shooting pretty well.He was forced to shoot a bit too much,but that should change now with Shaq in the middle.At the very least,he is not a liability on the floor if you need a 3 ball.He may not be an elite shooter yet,but he is more than adequate and getting better.
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8-10-2009 @ 7:00PM
welcome Annie said...
I supported and prayed for Lebron James,when all the critics thought he was just a hype and his mother's personal life.But, I was informed that his sweet smile and intelligent answers is just that and he is not a thoughtful persoon to kids.I was informed that he went to MO Williams camp in Miss. and was not involved with the kids and had so many bodyguards that they wished he had not showed up.His reaction to the kids thinking ,he would be more personal and encouraging was so painful to the kids at the camp.If, this is true and I got real sources ,the parents don't buy his shoes or support him.
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8-10-2009 @ 7:08PM
bbspply said...
he needs to STFU until he actually wins a championship! I can't stand kobe but he has earned any right to talk. This dude needs to rest his neck and win as a team or GO PLAY IN EUROPE!!!
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8-10-2009 @ 7:41PM
Ed Fielding said...
I am and always have been a huge Laker fan, but some of the players, I didn't like so much. Kareem, for one, Kobe for another, and it was because of their personalities. LeBron may be a great player, but I just don't like him much. On the other hand, we can't all be Magic Johnson. He is the best, on and off the court.
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8-10-2009 @ 11:07PM
cchristinrn8 said...
Anybody can get dunked on. I think its hilarious that it happened to Lebron, but it happens. Oh yeah, and by the way, Lebron James sucks and Jordan will always be considered the better half, end of story, bottom line, no questions asked. Its not even close!!!!!
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8-11-2009 @ 12:43AM
Giles said...
In the playoffs, James shot 33.3% from 3, 74.9% from the line compared to 36.6% from 3 and 75.3% for his opponents. With the work load a little lighter in the regular season, he shot a little better, 34.4% from 3 and 78% from the line compared to 33.% from 3, and 77% from the line for his opponents. Mediocre. Not bad, but nowhere near as good as the rest of his game. I expect he`ll probably be the Championship MVP this year, but the team could stand some refinements. Not bad for a guy who`d be 25. When folks are serious, don`t call him the best ever, just call him very good, they are very right. He has enough potential he could possibly become the best point forward ever, but he has a dozen years performing at a very high level ahead of him before he could get close to that, and a lot can go wrong in that long a time. I wish him well. As for entertaiment, maybe he could try rehearsing keyboard/bass/drums, in rotation, with Shaq`s rap band. In acting, they`d mainly want him to be beaten up by guys a half foot shorter, generally white. And if they wrote intelligent roles for him, many would complain he was acting white (which is nonsense). The media doesn`t like people, it likes deprecation (and therefore stereotypes). That isn`t James` fault. I love the old man on his commericals. I knew those guys. The other characters didn`t much interest me.Too many of them, too few variants on the old guy. He was cool without having to pretend to be, like the pretty boy did. But James isn`t much the one bragging on himself, that is media hype, he just hopes its close to right, and why shouldn`t he hope?
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8-11-2009 @ 2:38AM
thetruckerking said...
I'm a LeBron fan and supporter and I don't understand all of the hate on this guy. Is it because he plays in Cleveland? God knows if there's a city that deserves a championship the poor long suffering people of Cleveland do. Is it because the media keeps asking if he's the best ever or better than Jordan? I've never heard LeBron say he was the best. Is it because he doesn't get in trouble with the law? Yeah, you've got me here. As far as we know LeBron has never raped or killed anyone so his street cred is lacking a bit. He's a great player and a hometown boy that's grown into a world wide hero. How can you hate on that?
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8-11-2009 @ 2:40AM
mvcomputers said...
LeBron James is an ok player but some seem to think that he will be the next Michael Jordan but to those folks I call you fools. LeBron will never come close to what MJ was. LeBron will most likely never win a championship as long as he stays with the cavs. I can't believe that he actually went with the cavs, I mean come on now, the cavs? And I live near Cleveland so I know what kind of crap team the cavs have been in the past. He should have went to an actual good team. I did think it was very funny to see LeBron to get dunked on, made my day.
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8-11-2009 @ 2:30PM
Brian said...
lebron james is an OK player? you're on drugs....currently, he's the best player on the planet
8-11-2009 @ 3:57AM
Giles said...
I tease James a bit in the regular season, because he isn`t local for me, and because there are a few things to tease him about. Especially the hype, which isn`t his fault. Rick Barry shot 90% from the line for his career, Bird and Van De Weghe also rank high in nba history, and are among the guys James would have to edge out to be the best at his position. Erving, Baylor, Havlicek, and others could compete with most anyone, too. I consider Havlicek a point guard, but he played more forward, and was all defense, scored, assisted, may have been the best though Baylor dominates the championship statistics, without being all D, and was Iversoned, encouraged to retired when he could still score, so retire he did. Earvin Johnson played more or less all the positions, he could be figured the best point forward ever. As for hatred. James is LOVED outside Cleveland compared with how Chambelain was regarded, even where he played. He was a MAN among boys, and folks were painfully jealous. Even his own all star team once bragged they lost the game, but at least they held their own man`s scoring down! A team later did that to Shaq, too. Wilt commited no crimes, never married, alleged never fathered kids. But white women lusted him, and if he didn`t bed 20,000 of them, it wasn`t because gorgeous white women weren`t eager for him, and eager to share him with other women. Lots of folks hated that. He was intelligent, athletic, and no one will ever come remotely close to his first half dozen seasons, which is why folks dwelt on his flaws. He stammered in speech, much more shy than he would admit to, and stammered at the line. Tried to pass for an extrovert, but wasn`t. When James wins a championship, the hate will ease up for a while on him, but Wilt won at Philly and LA, it was just more jealousy provoking. He still hadn`t won a dozen. He was a loser if he didn`t beat out Russell. But Russ` home was vandalized. He wasn`t loved, he just wasn`t envied, hated, as much as Wilt. And speaking of LeBron`s entertaining, Wilt SANG a hit song as a rook! Mediocre singer, but not just a rapper. James probably ought to confining his acting to cameos, you know, Hi, I`m a celebrity, okay, I`m out of here. He can play the good guy in cameos. They`d want him in a dress and/or shot by a guy a foot shorter if he tried to act in extended roles, and that would be lousy, wouldn`t it? Well, I think it would, whatever my opinion matters.
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8-11-2009 @ 7:37AM
Dvdfrnzwbr said...
LeBust is just a spectical. Hasn't, and will never win a sausage with any team. So, go on your way.
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8-11-2009 @ 9:16AM
the1andonlydfigs said...
You are fools. I can't believe your criticisms of LeBron. He undoubtedly a great player. He's not too far up the all time list, yet, but he will be.
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8-11-2009 @ 10:34AM
rthompsoncarp said...
I don't think it is fair to compare any of today's players to those of the past. The game has changed a great deal, and to the teams with most of the wins, it was built around one player, or maybe two, but not as a whole team. LeBron is still young, and as some pointed out, not with the best caliber teammates. If they win with Shaq, we all know who will take the credit. Which doesn't mean Shaq is all there is to be. He's just a big man, and hard to defend with all that size advantage. see ya on the court!
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8-11-2009 @ 5:25PM
jamaal0405 said...
lebron will win a few championships while with cleveland because he is that good. off the court he seems to be a lil cocky but ima sports fan so as long as he does good on the court im fine. the Q will still be sold out because cleveland is a good team and regardless of whats being said, he will stay and win multiple championships
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8-11-2009 @ 6:55PM
mif991 said...
I do not buy Lebron's handshake explanation. This is not about handshakes per se, but about acknowledging the opposition's fair and square win. It is the most basic reaction to any game well played. LeSore loser though it was his destiny to win a championship before proving it on the court and thus was embarrassed in front of millions of fans. Too bad for Cav fan who get only one more shot at bringing a championship to their city. This guy will bolt on you, he'll do anything to still be a king.
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