CLEVELAND — One month from the start of the NBA’s free agency frenzy, LeBron James said he’s not close to making any decision. However, he has handicapped his field of suitors.
The Cavaliers lead the pack.
In his first interview since the Cavaliers’ 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 July 1.
King, who interviewed James on Tuesday at the two-time MVP’s home near Akron, Ohio, asked the superstar if Cleveland had “an edge going in.”
“Absolutely,” James said in a portion of the interview released by the network. “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 so it does have an edge.
“It’s going to be a very interesting summer.”
Also during the interview, which will air Friday on CNN’s “Larry King Live,” 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 said. “July is still a month away, less than a month away. I’ve thought about it, but I haven’t began to strategize exactly.”
While he will consult with advisers, family and friends, James said the choice of his next team will be up to one person: himself.
“I’m going to have to sit down and say, ‘Where do you want to play?’ ” he said.
James also made his first comments about former Cavs coach Mike Brown, who was fired in the aftermath of Cleveland’s loss to the Celtics. James said he was sorry to see Brown let go after five seasons.
“It’s unfortunate,” James said. “I wish him the best and I think he’s going to have a great coaching career.”
