CLEVELAND - Follow our updates below to see the latest on LeBron James' decision to leave or stay in Cleveland. This story will be constantly updated as new info comes in. If you'd like to suggest a link, please e-mail the URL to:5tips@newsnet5.com
12:52 p.m.--The Cavs are going to address LeBron's decision to leave with a press conference soon, scheduled at 1 p.m.
12:44 p.m.-- LeBron is continuing to promote his new website. James site is featuring an extended interview from last night's special, with questions submitted to him via Twitter.
11:44 a.m. -- Need another place to vent about the LeBron situation? Call our new "howl" line and leave a message. Your rants may be used on TV and/or on newsnet5.com: 216-236-HOWL (4695).
11:30 a.m.--With LeBron, Wade and Bosh down in Miami, the Heat now have to decide how to fill out the rest of their roster. Miami is reportedly going to sign veteran Mike Miller, according to reports from Yahoo! Sports Adrian Wojnarowski.
Miller's father said he is going to play in Miami, but he first has to wait for James, Bosh and Wade to sign, Wojnarowski tweeted (@WojYahooNBA).
8:45 a.m. -- "By some estimates, LeBron James brought the city of Cleveland an additional $150 million dollars in revenue every year with ticket sales, T-shirts, bars and restaurants. Now that moves to Miami." -- John Berman, ABC News
8:30 a.m. -- "LeBron's emotional value to the Cavs is immeasurable, but the financial loss to the Cavs franchise and the city will be huge. It is estimated that the team's value has plummeted $250 million dollars overnight." -- Robin Roberts, ABC News
6:21 a.m.--Since LeBron announced his intentions to leave Cleveland for Miami, Cavs guard has spoke out on Twitter about James' decision. Here's a sampling of some of Williams' (@mogotti2) tweets:
"The person that I feel most sorry for is mike brown. He is a really good coach."
"We got to step it up now that's all. We will be good next year. And hearing our owner keeps me convinced."
"Love u bron and always will. I knowu made your decision for the rt reason but we could have got it done here and u would have enjoyed It in cle a whole lot more."
"The only thing, and I mean the only thing I disagree with is.... If he knew somewhere else was the destination. He should have spared cle On national tv."
6:00 a.m. -- LeBron’s new partners react with glee. "Yeeeeeeeeaaaaaaa!!!!!!" Chris Bosh tweeted. "It's going to be crazy," said Dwyane Wade, who later tweeted, "Welcome my brothers @KingJames and @ChrisBosh to YOUR CITY."
5:52 a.m.--Plain Dealer columnist Terry Pluto has weighed in on LeBron's decision, saying, "never could anyone have imagined a worse way for it to end than how James delivered his decision Thursday night."
4:45 a.m. -- One of James' former teammates is distraught. "I feel like my heart has been pulled out," Cavs guard Mo Williams posted on his Twitter account. "But I'm happy for my friend."
4:30 a.m. -- After leaving Connecticut, James touched down at a private terminal at Miami International Airport at 2:30 a.m., according to the Dayton Daily News. He was met by Heat officials, shook Riley's hand, climbed into a car and was driven away while a small group of fans, paparazzi and other news media waited outside.
4:00 a.m. -- Cavs owner Dan Gilbert told The Associated Press he believes James did not play up to his abilities in Cleveland's second-round loss to Boston. "He quit," Gilbert said in a phone interview. "Not just in Game 5, but in Games 2, 4 and 6. Watch the tape. The Boston series was unlike anything in the history of sports for a superstar. ... People have covered up for him for way too long."
3:45 a.m. -- LeBron tweets, "What's up yall. Just landed in my new home. Thanks to all the fans and Miami organization who greeted me. The Road to History starts now!"
2:22 a.m. -- Miss our live chat? Click here to replay our live blog?
2:04 a.m. -- A Twitter account created to speak on behalf of LeBron's elbow ( @LeBronsElbow ), which was injured during the series, made several statements before and after LeBron's announcment Thursday:
The real reason LeBron is calling this press conference? To announce if he is Team Edward or Team Jacob.
After reading this I have decided to stay in Cleveland and some how some way attach to Dan Gilberts body.
Dan Gilbert once caught a fish by writing it a letter that said "stop jerking around and get on the hook twinkle toes"
1:57 a.m. -- Here is more coverage about LeBron's decision from Tom Withers at the Associated Press, including reaction posted on Twitter by Cavs player Mo Williams: http://bit.ly/d1N5S8
1:27 a.m. -- Social media posts about LeBron James seems to be slowing down
a bit following the announcement. At one point in the evening "LeBron jersey burning" was a trending topic on Twitter. Check out all of our coverage of the announcement by following these links:
10:29 p.m.-- The Cavaliers have released an official statement, from General Manager Chris Grant. “We believe in this team, this organization, this community, and what we will do to compete at the highest level. We believe in the new coach and leader we have in Byron Scott, and the world class basketball organization and positive and strong culture we've established. Dan Gilbert and our ownership group are firmly committed to reaching our goals and succeeding on the court and in the community, at the highest level.”
“Our fans stepped up and showed their support, to a degree unlike anywhere else. We are fortunate to have the support of the best fans in the NBA. That passion and dedication will be rewarded. We will work relentlessly to continue to build a team that will contend. A team that will win championships. We are all competitors and our one goal is to win, that and Dan Gilbert and our ownership team’s commitment and investment in this organization and community are constants that will not change."
9:50 p.m.-- Some quotes from LeBron during the interview:
"I'm looking forward to it," James on playing in Miami this year.
"It's hard for me. It's hard to explain." LeBron James on leaving Cleveland.
"I never wanted to leave Cleveland...I felt that this is the greatest challenge for me."
"I'm not sure," on what the fan reaction will be in Cleveland.
"I know how loyal I am. One thing my mother told me is you have to do what's best for you and what makes you happy.
LeBron said, "This is a very emotional time for me."
The past few weeks, "It's been heavy on me. I know a lot of people look up to me and I know what I've done for the city of Cleveland."
LeBron says, "Championships are championships."
"You become a superstar individually, but you become a champion as a team."
9:36 p.m.-- Cleveland fans in Akron were burning James jerseys.
9:25 p.m.-- LeBron announces his plan to move to Miami.
9:18 p.m. -- ESPN says LeBron will announce his decision after the commercial break.
9:07 p.m. -- The special is now on. We've added a live video feed from Whiskey Dicks in Akron to the live chat page. Join in the discussion now with NewsChannel5's John Kosich: http://bit.ly/LBJchat
8:33 p.m.-- PD's Brian Windhorst furthers the rumors of LeBron heading to Miami with his latest tweet. "Numerous people who have talked to #LeBron or Maverick Carter in last 24 hours say it is the Heat. But until LeBron says it himself..." -@PDcavsinsider
8:19 p.m.-- Greg Cote, Miami Herald sports columnist, tweets: "#Heat LeBron-to-Miami may not be happening. Heat has canceled a full-page welcome ad in The Miami Herald. This time I'm serious." -@gregcote
8:13 p.m.--PD's Brian Windhorst says teams are still in the dark as to where LeBron will sign. "Still hearing that the teams don't know for sure. None of them. No statement from #LeBron. He has achieved a victory...in drama." -@PDcavsinsider
8:09 p.m.-- ESPN's Chris Broussard says that he believes there's an 80 percent chance LeBron will end up in Miami. His gut says LeBron stays in Cleveland, but his sources are telling him otherwise.
7:27 p.m.-- LeBron has just landed at West Chester County airport north of New York City.
6:54 p.m. -- AP sports writer Tom Withers writes about the drama building tonight in anticipation of LeBron's announcement: http://bit.ly/9Hi2xa
5:51 p.m. --CNBC Sports Business reporter, Darren Rovell says people tell him the decision isn't expected to happen within the first 15 minutes of the broadcast. www.cnbc.com/id/38154289
5:40 p.m.-- ESPN NBA Insider Ric Bucher says that people are telling him LeBron is not going to end up in Miami. "FWIW: disparate opinions among gms, agents, league HQ officials today about where LeBron is going, but consensus on 1 thing: it's not Mia." -@RicBucher
5:10 p.m.-- ESPN NBA analyst, JA Adande, says that if LeBron returns to the Cavaliers it will be a 3-year deal.
5:00 p.m.-- Brian Windhorst tweets that many GM's in the league believe LeBron is staying in Cleveland. "Several GMs & prominent agents are defiant, insisting #LeBron will stay in CLE. They can't see the rationale of leaving $ and this process." -@PDCavsinsider
4:49 p.m.-- The AP has a live stream of people waiting outside the Boys and Girls club
4:34 p.m.--LeBron James has left the Wolstein Center.
4:20 p.m.-- PD's Brian Windhorst tweets that no income tax in Florida will save LeBron money on edorsements too. "NBA exec points out: No Fla. state tax income will also save LeBron millions over next 5 years on endorsement income too. He'll be resident." -@PDCavsinsider
4:13 p.m.-- Newly acquired Bulls forward, Carlos Boozer told a Chicago radio station today that he texted LeBron making a pitch and LeBron said "He was weighing between a few different teams."
3:47 p.m.--LeBron James is at the Wolstein Center for an AAU tournament. Jeff Goodman of Fox Sports tweeted a picture of LBJ sitting watching the action. http://tweetphoto.com/31517433
2:43--LeBron James has convinced Chris Paul to join him--on the marketing side of things. Paul has decided to leave his current management group Octagon to join James' group LRMR, according to a report from Yahoo! Sports: http://yhoo.it/cJg9c1
It is unclear what impact, if any, this will have on LeBron's decision.
2:26 p.m.-- Not so fast basketball world. Ian Thomsen of SI.com believes LeBron James will stay in Cleveland. SI.com has his reasons why.
2:19 p.m.--Cleveland's most recent trade efforts to get Minnesota guard Jonny Flynn may have stalled, according to Jerry Zgoda, the Timberwolves beat writer for the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Zgoda (@JerryZgoda) tweeted that Timberwolves President David Kahn said, "Jonny Flynn is not being traded."
1:19 p.m.--The Cavs continue to pursue Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jonny Flynn, but Windhorst says that getting Flynn has no bearing on LeBron's decision.
12:59 p.m.--Even US Magazine is getting into the LeBron James coverage. According to a story on the magazine's website, LeBron has rented six cabanas at the W Hotel on South Beach to throw a big party celebrating his decision, adding to speculation that he is going to Miami. http://bit.ly/bDPfJJ
11:38 a.m.--The Cavs aren't going to just sit by and watch LeBron leave Cleveland. According to Brian Windhorst (@pdcavsinsider), the Cavs are in talks with Minnesota to get point guard Jonny Flynn, which might help convince James to stay.
The most telling part of this story: Flynn is represented by LeBron's management group LRMR.
Windhorst also reported that the Cavs have been active in trade talks with different teams throughout the week, and tried hard to get Chris Paul from the Hornets, but those efforts were unsuccessful.
10:24 a.m.-- Chris Broussard is sticking to his report that LeBron is heading to Miami, but he did say on Sportscenter that the Cavs still have a chance to land LBJ.
“It’s not a done deal until 9 o’clock," Broussard said. "I still don’t think you can count out Cleveland.”
10:19 a.m.--LeBron has spoken, kind of.
James used his new favorite form of communication--Twitter (@kingjames)--to reach out to his fans before tonight's announcement. He tweeted, "Good Morning! It's your chance to ask me a question about my decision, use #lebrondecision to submit and I'll answer them tonight."
9:38 a.m.--If the Cincinnati Bengals outspoken wide receiver Chad Ochocino can offer some insight into LeBron's decision, then that might be some good news for Cavs fans. Earlier today, Ochocinco (@OGOchoCinco) posted this on Twitter: "Kobe-Magic-Jordan-Bird all created legacies on their own teams, they didn't join together to make winning a ring easy #Lebronwilldodasame" and "nickname is #KingJames, Kings lead with the help of an army (supporting cast on team) a lead dog doesn't join supastars to make it easy."
9:06 a.m.-- Add Yahoo! Sports to the list of media outlets saying that LeBron is headed to Miami. Adrian Wojnarowski and Marc J. Spears are reporting that LeBron's inner circle told a number of NBA officials and players overnight that James in leaning toward Miami: http://yhoo.it/dg9Cra .
According to the report, James camp was even proposing scenarios to strengthen Miami's roster with other free agents joining the Big Three.
9:00 a.m. -- "The Decision” Program Details: ESPN executives say the plan is for James to reveal his selection in the first 10 minutes of the show. It will be followed by a series of interviews and small features. Sportscaster Jim Gray, will handle the introduction, announcement and questions. The broadcast will also include a long-form interview with ESPN personality Mike Wilbon and others via satellite from ESPN's studios in Bristol, Conn.
8:35 a.m. -- “Hopefully now with his recruiting pitch [Heat team president Pat Riley] has a little bit more leverage,” Chris Bosh said Wednesday in an interview with The Miami Herald. “He has two All-Stars
to pitch, with me and Dwyane Wade. You can use that leverage to go to other guys and fill in the spots we need.”
8:24 a.m.--Brian Windhorst just said on ESPN's "Mike & Mike" that he has not confirmed the LeBron-to-Miami reports with anyone inside LeBron's inner circle, but that he knows the sources who are leaking the information, and they are "pretty good."
Windhorst seemed to think the reports of James teaming up with Wade and Bosh in Miami are accurate, but it is not "outside the realm of possibilty" that LeBron could change his mind.
If James does decide to sign with Miami, Windhorst expected for him to spend the bulk of the show tonight apologizing to his hometown for leaving.
7:23 a.m.--All of the conflicting reports this morning about LeBron's future may all be part of King James' plan. Sources have told WKNR's "Munch" Mark Bishop that people within LeBron's inner circle may be leaking false information to the press to create suspense for tonight's announcement on ESPN.
6:30 a.m. -- Newsday's Knicks beat writer Alan Hahn tweets: “Multiple sources are telling Newsday that LeBron James has decided to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami. The new Big Three is here.”
6:10 a.m. -- The bulls on Wall Street seem to be betting the Knicks will land LBJ. Shares in Madison Square Garden Inc., owners of the Knicks, skyrocketed 6.4% yesterday to close at $21.57, according to the New York Daily News.
6:00 a.m. -- Mitch Lawrence of the New York Daily News predicts James will stay in Cleveland, with the team where he has some unfinished business to attend to, because it makes the “most sense” for himself and his family.
5:47 a.m. -- Dwyane Wade told the Associated Press in an interview he doesn’t know what James will say during the show. “I won’t speak to him again until he makes his decision,” Wade said. “And when it’s over, I will congratulate him. But I will be watching.”
5:30 a.m. -- It appears LeBron James might be close to leaving home, according to Brian Windhorst of the Plain Dealer. Multiple reports early this morning say James is planning to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh with the Miami Heat. But, several members of James’ family and his close friends have been urging him to re-sign with the Cavs.
4:59 a.m. -- Miami Herald reports Heat owner Pat Riley is likely to make another pitch to LeBron today before the free agent's decision is announced. Herald is also reporting Bosh believes Riley will have more leverage with "two-thirds of the puzzle in place."
2:40 a.m. -- While sources close to James insist that his heart is in Cleveland and that remaining with the Cavs was his preferred choice, they say he had concerns about signing a six-year deal here and ending up "31 years old, with bad knees and no title." -- ESPN’s Chris Broussard
2:23 a.m. -- ESPN also citing sources that LeBron will join his buddies in Miami, "barring a late change of heart." tinyurl.com/32tkv8v
2:18 a.m. -- First D-Day speculation by Newsday in New York: LeBron leaning towards Miami Heat. tinyurl.com/3xbahlu
12:05 a.m.-- Today is the day LeBron will make his decision.
DAY 7: JULY 7
11:55 p.m.-- ESPN's Ric Bucher reports that Carlos Boozer has joined the recruting pitch to bring LeBron to Chicago.
11:45 p.m.-- ESPN's Chris Broussard tweets: "LeBron James spent Wed evening (6-8:30 pm) playing pickup softball with friends/fam in Akron. A shortstop, he led his team to victory." -@chris_broussard. Poses the question that LBJ couldn't have left to meet with Pat Riley in Miami any sooner than 9ish after getting to the airport and flying down to South Beach.
11:43 p.m.-- Sportscenter flashes a picture of the Palm Beach Post tomorrow morning with a pie chart that has Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and a faded out picture of LeBron in the other section of the pie.
11:41 p.m.-- Celtics guard Ray Allen signs a 2 year/ 10 million dollar deal to stay with the Celtics. Allen was one Free Agent many teams including possibly the Cavaliers were targeting next season.
10:41 p.m.-- Chuck Swirsky, the Voice of the Chicago Bulls tweets that according to ESPN LeBron James flew to Miami tonight to meet with Pat Riley.
9:50 p.m.-- Stephen A. Smith tweets that the New York Knicks are making a push for LeBron on the night before "the Decision." :"Fyi.....Knicks are desperately trying to make last-ditch effort to sway LeBron. NIKE's hoping it'll work. It won't!" -@stephenasmith
7:54 p.m.--The NBA releases it's salary cap of $58 million for the 2010-2011 season. It was $57.7 million last season, which gives a few teams a little more wiggle room especially the Miami heat who can use that extra space to land another max contract in addition to Wade and Bosh.
6:20 p.m.-- Amar'e Stoudemire posts to Twitter a recruiting pitch to bring LBJ to the Knicks: "@kingjames come join me @amareisreal in
NY, we can do something really special. "Oh let's do it" !!" -@ amareisreal
5:40 p.m.-- Yahoo! Sports says an NBA executive believes LeBron's decision is between Cleveland and Miami.
5:30 p.m. -- Our crew following LeBron reports that he's returned to his home in Bath Township.
5:04 p.m.-- Cavs Beat Writer, Brian Windhorst tweets: "Reports that Bulls have signed Boozer to 5yr, $80 mill deal no doubt improves their chances w/LeBron. Even if they had to overpay." -@ PDCavsinsider
4:55 p.m.-- NewsChannel5 has learned LeBron James filed for an address change for his taxes to an address in Chicago, according to documents through the Summit County Auditor's website. We have not been able to verfiy when this request was filed.
4:52 p.m.-- An ESPN executive said LeBron James will announce his future NBA plans within the first 10 minutes of Thursday night's hourlong broadcast, according to the AP.
4:35 p.m.-- LeBron continues making stops around the city with an appearance at the Summit Lake Park and Community Center in Akron.
4:28 p.m.-- According to the New York Post, the New Jersey Nets believe that LeBron James is out of the question and are now shifting their focus to bringing in former Cavaliers and Jazz forward Carlos Boozer. tinyurl.com/2ay6lpr
4:16 p.m.-- Orlando Sentinel posts a blog with Magic Head Coach Stan Van Gundy's thoughts on the LeBron Free Agency. He believes that it's been a big spectacle and said he won't watch the announcement tomorrow night. tinyurl.com/38mm4r6
4:08 p.m.-- It's not just Jared Dudley that's saying LeBron will end up in New York. Cincinnati Bengals Wide Receiver Chad Ochocinco is getting involved. "#OCNNBREAKINGNEWS *Empire State of Mind* *wink* *wink*only the smart folk will put this together and figure out what i am talking about #6" -@ ogochocinco
3:58 p.m.-- According to Phoenix Suns player Jared Dudley, LeBron is going to join the New York Knicks. "Breaking News!!! My sources tell me Lebron will announce that he will be goin to the NY KNICKS tomorrow on ESPN.. This is serious.. WOW!!!!" -@ JaredDudley619 . It should be noted that Dudley played with the Knicks recent Free Agent Amar'e Stoudemire.
3:53 p.m.-- Newsday's New York Knicks beat writer Alan Hahn says that Jay-Z owns a house in Greenwich, Conn. which is where LeBron's announcement will take place. "By the way, it should be noted that Jay-Z owns a home in Greenwich, Conn. Just saying..." -@ alanhahn
3:45 p.m.-- LeBron stopped by a youth camp at St. Vincent-St. Mary's. The camp isn't associated with the LeBron skills camp.
3:42 p.m.--Sam Amick of Fanhouse.com puts on his Twitter: "A top NBA team executive told FanHouse he believes LeBron James will return to Cleveland." -@ samickFanHouse
3:35 p.m.-- According to Windhorst, LeBron is scheduled to film a few segments for a website. "LeBron scheduled to film some segments around Akron this afternoon for a feature for him website." -@PDCavsInsider
3:29 p.m.-- LeBron just left Akron according to Cavaliers beat writer Brian Windhorst. "LeBron just left Akron. We'll know tomorrow if that's a metaphor or a news report." -@PDCavsInsider
2:55 p.m.-- Newsday is reporting LeBron will do Thursday's ESPN show from Greenwich, CT.
2:28 p.m.-- Byron Scott has left LeBron's camp, Twitters @ PDcavsinsider . Scott said his fingers are crossed and "I'm always hopeful."
1:39 p.m. -- New Cavs coach Byron Scott has arrived at LeBron's camp in Akron, according to Brian Windhorst of the Plain Dealer and Tom Withers of the AP.
The meeting between Scott and James is closed to the media, but before Soctt arrived, LeBron was shooting around on the court with Cavs Danny Green and Jamario Moon, Windhorst reported on Twitter.
12:46 p.m. -- Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh appeared on ESPN to officially announce their decision to sign with the Miami Heat. During the interview, the two players offered few clues about the future of LeBron James, saying they aren't sure where LeBron is headed next year.
"I wasn't sure if LeBron was coming back," Bosh said when asked about James playing in Cleveland. "I wanted to choose the best situation for me and my family."
11:58 a.m. -- Just posted on Lebronjames.com: James to Announce Decision Live on ESPN
Maverick Carter, CEO of LRMR Marketing, said today that LeBron James will formally announce where he will play next season and beyond on "The Decision," which will air live on Thursday at 9 p.m.
ET on ESPN.
Because of the unprecedented attention and interest surrounding LeBron's decision, we have decided to make this announcement on national television. By doing so we have generated funds that will be given to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. LeBron has a longstanding commitment to giving back to the community, and has worked with the Boys and Girls Clubs in cities across the country. For additional information and any other announcements concerning “The Decision,” check with www.LebronJames.com. --Baskin
11:33 a.m.-As my phone rings off the hook, I would like to remind everyone that no matter what you are hearing, remember the "E" in ESPN stands for entertainment.-Baskin
11:10 a.m.--The Plain Dealer's Brian Windhorst reported over Twitter that the Bosh and Wade to Miami deal will become official at 12:30. He can sign a deal after midnight tonight.
10:03 a.m.--LeBron just arrived at his Nike basketball camp, according to the Plain Dealer's Brian Windhorst (@pdcavsinsider).
9:53 a.m.--If Chris Broussard is right, then Cleveland fans have bad news coming in LeBron James' nationally televised announcement tomorrow at 9 p.m. on ESPN.
Broussard broke the story that Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade are headed to Miami, and now Broussard believes the Heat are the front-runners to land LBJ. During his second appearance on "Mike & Mike" this morning, Broussard said the order of teams to land LeBron went in this order: Miami, Chicago, Cleveland, New York, New Jersey.
9:35 a.m.-- Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade think they have a "real chance" of convincing LeBron to join them in South Beach, according to a report from Yahoo! Sports: http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ys-wadebosh070610 .
The report says that the three players shared a call shortly after midnight Wednesday, which is when Bosh and Wade informed LeBron of their decision.
8:50 a.m.-- ESPN's Shelley Smith went on "Mike & Mike" and confirmed Broussard's report that Bosh and Wade are headed to Miami. Like Broussard, she also did not rule out LeBron joining the two of them in Miami, but said there is no clear indication of LBJ's intentions.
8:25 a.m.--Here is Broussard's story on ESPN: sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story . Chris has been off base on a few things over the past few days. I am not sure what to believe. -Baskin
7:35 a.m.-- LeBron James efforts to get Chris Bosh to Cleveland have been unsuccessful, and Bosh will sign with Dwyane Wade to play for the Miami Heat, according to ESPN's Chris Broussard.
Bosh and Wade will likely announce their intentions to play in Miami later today, Broussard said on "Mike & Mike in the Morning."
LeBron tried to convince Bosh to join him in Cleveland, and the Toronto Raptors said they would do a sign-and-trade to send Bosh to the Cavs, but the deal never went through because Bosh didn't want to play in Cleveland, Broussard said.
Without Bosh on the table, it is unclear what LeBron will do. A number of teams are still in the running, Broussard said, but Cleveland's chances took a "severe hit" when Bosh decided to go to Miami.
7:20 a.m. -- LeBron and his people will sell sponsorships of ESPN’s hour-long special Thursday night. The proceeds will go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, according to ESPN.
4:00 a.m. -- The location for LeBron’s big announcement has not yet been revealed. It’s a crucial piece of information, since it is unlikely that James would announce he's leaving the Cavs while standing at a podium somewhere in the state of Ohio. The New York Daily News is reporting there are whispers James intends to hold the announcement at his high school, St.Vincent-St. Mary's in Akron, the city where he was presented with his MVP awards the last two seasons.
3:15 a.m. -- LeBron has acquired more than 206,000 followers on Twitter. James’ publicist, Keith Estabrook, confirms the account belongs to James, but says James will probably not use Twitter to release his decision, according to the New York Times.
12:17 a.m.--Also reports LeBron will not be at ESPN for the annoucement.
12:12 a.m.--I know this seems silly. After the Cavs landed Byron Scott I thought this was the Cavs race to win. Bosh saying no to Cleveland worries me. You know what really worries me. Both Tom Withers of the AP and Brian Windhorst of the PD are wondering what LeBron will do based on the fact the moves he has made in the last 24 hours about joining Twitter, re-doing his website, and now going prime time with the annoucement is out of character. I agree. I still think it's funny that ESPN's Chris Broussard is saying sources are telling him that his network will host the show. Really? Really? -Baskin
8:47 p.m. -- Celebrities are speaking up about where they want to go. Even people you least expect like 88 year-old Betty White. She says, "I'll make it worth your while" if he stays in Cleveland. popwatch.ew.com/2010/07/02/betty-white-lebron-james-cleveland/
6:53 p.m. -- LeBron James is about to play a pick up game with Jamario Moon, Daniel Gibson, Jawad WIlliams Christian Eyenga. twitter.com/terry_brooks
6:43 p.m. -- Team executive says the Cavs might have to do this again in 2012 if LeBron resigns. tinyurl.com/2u2jo96 .
6:25 p.m.--S.I. says the Chris Bosh to Cleveland sign and trade has been ruled out. tinyurl.com/33wm3ja In this crazy story of what is true and what is not... I'm not sure of anything anymore-Baskin
5:56 p.m.--Here's what ESPN is saying about a possible Cavs sign and trade with Chris Bosh. tinyurl.com/2eb2fb5
4:35 p.m. -- LeBron James arrived at Rhodes arena about an hour ago. Terry Brooks reports on his Twitter feed that James came in via a "tricked out Dodge Ram. Other media are reporting that media members are getting kicked out of Rhodes Arena while trying to talk with LeBron.
4:16 p.m. -- The silence is over. LeBron James made his first tweet: twitter.com/kingjames . The King joined the social media site earlier today and already has nearly 90,000 followers.
3:50 p.m. --- Rick Morrissey of the Chicago Sun-Times puts Bull's fans in the shoes of Cleveland Cavs fans. Morrissey compares LeBrons free agency to Michael Jordan's in 1991. He makes some interesting points, but I don't think it will win sympathy from the city of Chicago. Here you go: http://www.suntimes.com/morrissey/2467652,CST-SPT-morrissey06.article .
1:40 p.m.---LeBron still hasn't arrived at his skills camp in Akron, where he was expected to show up this afternoon. Also, his publicist Keith Estabrook was at the camp, but has recently left.
James worked out at the camp yesterday, shooting around and participating in some pickup games with the Hornets Chris Paul.
12:57 p.m.-- LeBron has joined the social media world. He now has a Twitter account.
His account name is @kingjames, but he has not tweeted yet.
12:49 p.m.--The talk of bringing Chris Bosh to Cleveland as part of a sign-and-trade with Toronto may be a little premature. Plain Dealer reporter Brian Windhorst and AP writer Tom Withers are both reporting on Twitter that a sign-and-trade for Bosh is still a long way from happening.
12:01 p.m.--Ever wonder why people around the world dislike New Yorkers? Here is a story of an ego maniac sports writer, who is looking to fill inches as he watches the national media write about the Knicks chances of getting LeBron slip away. Here you go: www.nypost.com/p/sports/knicks/cle_doesn_deserve_lj_bbBAO0eTMQGXML7QXIResM Here's a passionate Bronx cheer for the great writing of Mr. Berman. -Baskin
The details of such a trade have not been solidified, but the Cavs would likely need to give up some combination of Delote West, Anderson Varejao, J.J. Hickson and Anthony Parker. But the trade ultimately hinges on Bosh agreeing to the move, which is not the case right now.
10:58 a.m -- Day 2 of LeBron's camp is underway. High school kids on the floor at the J.A.R. and the Rec Center on Akron's campus. No LeBron sightings so far. He's expected to show up this afternoon.
9:48 a.m.--Amare Stoudemire became the first big-name free agent to move teams when he agreed in principle to a 5-year, $99.7 million contract with the New York Knicks on Monday. He can’t officially sign the deal until Thursday, but in the meantime he is hoping to convince LeBron James to join him: http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nba/news/story?id=5356502
"I think [James] feels great about it,” Stoudemire said. “It's a situation where no one wanted to make that first move, and I felt confident enough to take that first step, and hopefully now we can bring in a few guys to join us."
"I'm definitely going to reach out to him again and see if we can get him to come. I really have no reading
on which way he is leaning at all, but again, he's totally open right now, he hasn't made a decision yet, and hopefully I can get him to choose us," Stoudemire said.
9:18:--LeBron James is trying to convince Chris Bosh to join him and play for Cleveland, according to ESPN's Chris Broussard.
LeBron wants to stay with the Cavs, Broussard said, but part of the reason for the delay in his decision is that he is waiting to see if he can convince Bosh to play in Cleveland. In order for the Cavs to get Bosh, they will likely need to negotiate a sign-and-trade with Bosh's former team, the Toronto Raptors.
"It can happen, it's just a matter of convincing Chris Bosh to agree to it," Broussard said on Mike & Mike in the Morning on Tuesday.
8:39 a.m.--Just like LeBron James isn't saying anything about his future plans, Dwyane Wade is also avoiding questions about his free agency. Wade was supposed to appear at a press conference today as part of his basketball camp at Nova Southeastern University, but his representatives cancelled that event just after midnight today, according to the Miami Herald: www.miamiherald.com/2010/07/06/1716925/miami-heats-dwyane-wade-to-go.html
Another free agent garnering interest from teams around the league is Shaq. The Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks and Atlanta Hawks are all interested in the future Hall-of-Famer, according to ESPN.com: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5356999
Barbosa still has two years and $14.7 million remaining on his deal, and the Suns might have interest in dealing him in order to clear some cap space.
5:30 a.m. - The LeBron James Skills Camp continues today at the University of Akron.
DAY 5: JULY 5
11:12 p.m. -- Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland PD is reporting LeBron is only talking seriously about his decision with a few people close to him, but the consensus is that LeBron is still undecided. Windhorst is also confirming reports that there has been a rift between William Wesley and the James camp.
9:27 p.m.-- Shaq to the Hawks? tinyurl.com/26ajnvy If he's going to take the mid-level, he should wait to see what LeBron is going to do. -Baskin
8:49 p.m.--Scanning the web this hour. Here's a shocker and earth shattering news: Associated Content says this story has become a circus: tinyurl.com/2af83wm . A good story from the boys at WFNY on LeBron's closest friend: tinyurl.com/32r5vj5 . The Chicago Tribune on today's events: tinyurl.com/23tum33 . The New York Post on how Amar'e Stoudemire will try to recruit LeBron: tinyurl.com/2fydrw2 . -Baskin
7:51 p.m. -- Accorinding to multiple sources, the New York Knicks and Amare Stoudemire have agreed in principle to a deal for 5 years $100 million. He can officially sign after 12:01 Thursday.
6:15 p.m. -- Terry Brooks just finished a 1-on-1 interview with Cavs 2009 1st round draft pick Christian Eyenga. The young forward says he doesn't know what LeBron is going to do, but he did catch some pretty alley oop lobs from LeBron at today's LeBron James Skills Academy in Akron.
6:00 p.m. -- Brian Windhorst of the PD is reporting, "LeBron just left his camp. Shook his head no when asked if he had a decision or a timetable."
5:15 p.m. -- LeBron's now stretching (he's done today). College kids leaving, high school kids now on the court. - Brooks
5:01 p.m. -- Don't know if Eyenga will work out in the league but he can really rise. Nice alley from LeBron. - Brooks
4:29 p.m. -- CP3 looks healthy...just sent all the cameras out...LeBron, CP3 and Jawad in a pick up game vs. the campers. - Brooks
4:25 p.m. -- Chris Paul now shooting around with LeBron. Wonder how much they've talked about Byron Scott? - Brooks
4:13 p.m. --Guys starting to loosen up. Lot more smiles and jokes as they put up 30 footers. - Brooks
4:04 p.m. -- High school players just walked in.....gawking at Lebron. - Brooks
3:44 p.m. -- First time I've seen Christian Eyenga (Cavs 1st round draft pick from 2009) in person. Rail thin kid. About 6-6. Just grabbed a board near the top of the square. - Brooks
3:40 p.m. -- Just drill work going on now. LeBron not clowning. Just working on his J. CP3 just walked out. Has not put in workout clothes. - Brooks
3:27 p.m. -- Also in the LeBron entourage Chris Paul. Let the conspiracy theories start......now. - Brooks
3:18 p.m. -- In the LeBron entourage......Damon Jones, Christian Eyenga, and Ron Harper. - Brooks
2:46 p.m. -- LeBron is in the building. Now let's see if he says anything. - Brooks
2:34 p.m. -- Coaches and players showing up
at LeBron camp including Dukeies Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler. Still no LeBron. - Brooks
1:44 p.m. -- Standing by at the Jar in Akron. No LeBron yet. Campers arrive at 230. - Brooks
12:53 p.m. -- This is how they see things in Jersey at this hour. Three horse race for LeBron. tinyurl.com/23e98j5 --Baskin
10:36 a.m. -- The ladies of the TV Land show "Hot in Cleveland" have produced a brief video urging LeBron to stay in Cleveland. They posted the clip on the show's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1478550694154
8:11 a.m. -- Looks like the big news won't come from a media outlet. LeBronJames.com has a very simple message on it. "You 'll be the first to know." The site is allowing you to put your e-mail address and your cell phone number on a registration page for LeBron's site. If this is any indication of what is next for the LeBron, you should get an e-mail or a text when LeBron makes up his mind. So much for a media outlet running the promotion, "We told you first!" -Baskin
6:35 a.m. -- LeBron’s basketball camp wraps up Wednesday night. James is free to sign with the team of his choice as of 12:01 a.m. Thursday, after the salary cap for the 2010-11 season is set. LeBron could verbally say where he wants to play. This is much like high school kids comitting to a college before national letter of intent day.
6:25 a.m. -- Chicago Sun-Times predicts home rules, which means LeBron will stay in Cleveland (on a short-term contract) and Dwyane Wade will jump to the Chicago Bulls.
6:10 a.m. -- LeBron won’t decide which NBA team he’ll sign with until after his basketball camp this week, according to ESPN. James is hosting many of the nation’s top high school and college players at his Nike camp at the University of Akron through July 7.
DAY 4: JULY 4
10:13 p.m. -- Chris Sheridan of ESPN.com reports the New York Knicks held a secret second meeting with LeBron's representatives Sunday morning to clarify exactly where they stood in regards to signing Amare Stoudemire.
9:15 p.m. -- - The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Brian Windhorst is reporting "According to league source, Knicks are planning another trip to Cleveland to meet with LeBron tonight. The sense is the Knicks have different outlook since getting to brink with Amar'e and have a new pitch to sell they didn't have on Thursday."
6:17 p.m. -- Frank Isola of the New York Daily News reports that Madison Square Garden President Scott O'Neil and Knicks Vice-President of Basketball Operations Glen Grunwald met with associates of LeBron James late Saturday. The report says, "It is unclear if James was in the meeting but it is believed that his business manager, Maverick Carter, and agent, Leon Rose, met with the two Knicks executives."
3:46 p.m. -- The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Brian Windhorst is reporting that LeBron James will wait until after his Nike basketball camp in Akron to make his decision. Since the camp goes through Wednesday, a decision would not be expected until Thursday, July 8, which is also the first day free agents can officially sign.
12:08 p.m. -- ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher is reporting he was told by a source close to LeBron James, that the free agent would select a team to play for by Monday. Read more here: http://tiny.cc/gfywq
11:56 p.m. cavs homepage is showing part of the video the Cavs used in their pitch meeting with LeBron today. http://bit.ly/c5roAm
11:18 p.m. - Sam Amico tweets
that 4 NBA Executives he talked to today all predicted that the Cavs hiring of Byron Scott will prompt LeBron to give the Cavs 3 more years.
10:04 p.m.-- Ric Bucher tweets: "But if and when LeBron does re-up in Cle, know that it'll be w/3-yr out. We'll be doing all this again in 2013 + Nets could be formidable." Looks like a three year deal is what's going to be negotiated according to Bucher. twitter.com/ricbucher
9:42 p.m. -- Could this impact LeBron as well? -Agent Henry Thomas on Wade & Bosh:Processing all of the info they have received over the past couple of days. Taking some time to take it all in. -Marc Spears of Yahoo. -Brooks
8:37 p.m.-- Ric Bucher touched on the Bulls meeting with LeBron today and posted the following on his Twitter: "Sources say Bulls went along w/the Wade ear tickle so they could tell LeBron they had Wade + ask today for an answer: You coming or not?" -@ricbucher twitter.com/ricbucher
7:35 p.m.-- From Cavs.com: More than a Player has released a new video that covers LeBron James' entire basketball career, even back to his St. Vincent St. Mary's days: www.nba.com/cavaliers/morethanaplayer_splash_100630.html
7:15 p.m.-- As noted--the Chicago Bulls met with LeBron today and the website tiny.cc/ub86c of Chicago Breaking Sports, had a take on the Bulls meeting with LeBron today in Cleveland.
5:52 p.m.-- The New York Daily News reports that the Knicks are turning away from courting Joe Johnson and focusing on Mike Miller. Miller is one of the guys the Cavaliers have been targeting to come play in Cleveland and it was reported earlier this week that LeBron James would try and recruit Miller no matter which team James decides to play for next season. tiny.cc/ufcmn
5:45 p.m.-- Another video hits the web this time on Facebook with the show Hot in Cleveland. They made a pitch to keep LeBron here in Cleveland. tiny.cc/1b7z1
5:30 p.m.-- Cavs General Manager Chris Grant spoke to the media, but did not answer any questions after LeBron James left. He issued about a one-minute statement saying, "We had a very good meeting with LeBron and his group. It went well. It was fun and interactive. I’d characterize it as a positive."
5:07 p.m.-- PD beat writer Brian Windhorst tweets: "NBA execs I've talked to confirm Raptors started souring on sign-and-trade for Bosh on Friday. Bosh has not been communicating with TOR."
He also added: "No sign-and-trade would cost Bosh millions, limit options. But 1 exec said it wasn't dead, Raps just turned off at moment by Bosh behavior."
5:02 p.m.-- ESPN's J.A. Adande reports that the Raptors are losing interest in Bosh and are willing to let him walk. He wouldn't be able to get as much money as he would with the Raptors because of the NBA's benefits that allow the players current team to offer them an extra year along with 4-5 million dollars more per season. Bosh has been all over Twitter about his meetings with other teams. twitter.com/chrisbosh Adande reports that the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks and of course the Cleveland Cavaliers have offered the Raptors various trades for Bosh. tiny.cc/l7tcm
5:00 p.m.-- Tom Withers of the Associated Press Tweets: "Bulls contingent spent about three hours in LRMR offices. Not sure what they had for lunch." -@twithersAP twitter.com/twithersAP
4:54 p.m.--Cleveland.com has a story about a sign-and-trade involving Chris Bosh. With the Cavaliers hoping to re-sign LeBron, they would be over the salary cap, so acquiring Bosh would come from a sign-and-trade with the Raptors. However, the story reports that the Raptors are losing interest in a sign-and-trade and prepared to let Chris Bosh walk, which put a huge dent in the Cavaliers hope of acquiring the big man. tiny.cc/im2n8
4:31 p.m.-- ESPN's Chris Broussard posts via Twitter: "I hear that heading into Saturday, New Jersey had made the most impressive pitch to LeBron thus far." -@Chris_Broussard. twitter.com/Chris_Broussard
4:26 p.m.-- LeBron is leaving the building driving a Grey Audi. Fans cheering and screaming as the King pulled out.
4:20 p.m. - Bulls vehicles Booed as they left. Their representatives were here about 3 hours.
4:06 p.m. - According to ESPN's J.A. Adande an agent tells him that "I think LeBron goes back to Cleveland. Byron Scott's gonna get to him. He's a no-nonsense guy."
3:59 p.m.- We thought this meeting was over at about 2:52. But still no signs of anybody leaving the building yet.
3:37 p.m-Looks like nobody is going to talk to the media on the street. All of the cars are now in the garage. But, you never know. The pro-Cavs crowd is growing, waiting for LeBron to leave.
2:11 p.m- Still meeting with Bulls. We are waiting for them to come out of the I.M.G. Building, I still think it's good news that the Cavs meeting went longer than an hour. Funny story that both the Bulls and Cavs had to deal with issues getting into the building on a Saturday. Good to see that even in meetings where millions are on the line and you think every detail is covered something as simple as getting buzzed into the building causes frustration. It really does happen to EVERYBODY.-Also funny that Cavs fans waiting to put powder in the air when LeBron arrived earlier today, put it up in the air when the Cavs arrived, then scrambled to pass the powder around when LeBron actually got to the building. -Baskin
1:25 p.m. - The Chicago Bulls representatives have arrived at the IMG building for their meeting with LeBron James.
1:08 p.m. -- Chris Grant just told a contingent of media outlets that the Cavs Satuday afternoon meeting with LeBron James went well. He also noted it how important it was that James decided to remain in Cleveland to have meetings with several teams during this free agency period.
12:45 p.m. -- Cleveland General Manager Chris Grant is supposed to give a statement to the media after the team's meeting with the LeBron James and his representatives concludes.
11:00 a.m. -- LeBron James just arrived for his 11 a.m. meeting with the Cleveland Cavaliers in a gray Mercedes.
10:57 a.m. -- Representatives of the Cleveland Cavaliers have just arrived at the IMG building. Owner Dan Gilbert, coach Byron Scott and general manager Chris Grant have not been spotted entering the building.
10:35 a.m. -- With the meeting between LeBron James and the Cavaliers management team fast approaching, more than 100 fans have gathered on East Ninth Street to build a "fan tunnel."
9:40 a.m. -- Although LeBron is not expected to show up to his meeting with the Cavaliers until 11 a.m., fans have already begun lining the streets in anticipation of his arrival. They're trying to make an impact on James' decision by wearing his jersey and carrying signs with the word "Home."
The Cavs will get the first meeting of the day with LeBron around 11 a.m. this morning. Expected to make the pitch for the home town are Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, GM Chris Grant, new head coach Byron Scott and other team employees close to LeBron.
8:57 a.m. -- The Cavs will get the first meeting of the day with LeBron around 11 a.m. this morning. Expected to make the pitch for the home town are Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, GM Chris Grant, new head coach Byron Scott and other team employees close to LeBron.
DAY 2: JULY 2
4:28 p.m. -- MoreThanAPlayer.org is encouraging fans to create a tunnel down East 9th Street Saturday morning for LeBron's journey downtown to meet with the Cavs about his future with the team. The event starts at 10 a.m. Those attending are encouraged to wear Cavs gear and create a "fan tunnel" down the street.
3:30 p.m.-- Cavs GM Chris Grant confirms the team will meet with LeBron at 11 a.m. on Saturday. He would not go into specifics about what will be discussed.
3:12 p.m.-- The Cavs announce Byron Scott as the new head coach. Of course, Scott was asked about what he will say to LeBron on Saturday. “I think this is the right time. I think this team has the ability to reach a championship.” He also added he does not have a relationship with LeBron, but has met him a few times.
3:15 p.m.-- The Clippers wrapped up their meeting with LBJ. On tomorrow's lineup the Cavs are up first, with the Bulls to finish things up.
2:23 p.m.-- ProBasketballTalk.com reports LeBron's decision will be posted on his website , sometime Monday or later.
2:07 p.m.-- The Clippers have just gone in to give their presentation. It's a smaller group than we've seen with other teams, just
general manager Neil Olshey and executive Andy Roesner. Clippers owner Donald T. Sterling was not in the meeting and the team currently doesn't have a coach.
1:53 p.m.-- Team president Pat Riley and the rest of the group from the Heat have now left. Prior to the meeeting, Riley spoke very openly about his proposal, which would be getting the big three, LeBron, D-Wade and Chris Bosh, all in Miami. The plan would put all three players on an equal playing field salary-wise.
1:50 p.m.-- Chris Bosh is meeting with the Knicks today, also, according to his Twitter account ( @chrisbosh ). He tweeted a few minutes ago, saying, "I'm up and at 'em! My shirt is starched and I'm ready for more business. NY Knicks are next."
1:44 p.m. -- One of the free agents rumored as a possible running mate for LeBron James, Amare Stoudemire, is supposedly in serious talks with the New York Knicks about a maximum contract, according to Yahoo! Sports . The report says details on the contract could come as soon as today.
Signing Stoudemire would not prevent the Knicks from signing LeBron too, because they have enough cap space to sign two free agents to maximum contracts. It would, however, prevent them from signing three big-name free agents at a discount, which was one of the options they pitched to LeBron on Thursday.
1:20 p.m. -- NewsChannel5 reporter Paul Kiska, who is waiting outside of the IMG offices in Cleveland, said it appears as if the meeting with the Miami Heat is wrapping up. The atmosphere in the E. 9th area of Cleveland is much calmer today, but fans still are stopping by, holding up signs and honking their horns when driving past. Paul said an independent film crew from the website lebromegeddon.com is documenting the scene.
11:26 a.m.--During their pitch to LBJ yesterday, the New York Knicks tried to sell King James on the potential to become a billionaire, according to the New York Post . James has a clear business interest and has said before that he hopes to become a billionaire athlete, and apparently the Knicks tried to use that as a selling point.
According to the story in the Post, the Knicks put together a study showing that LeBron could earn $1.94 billion in salary and endorsements if he bolts for New York, compared to $700 million in Cleveland.
11:03 a.m.-- Looks like LeBron must have been busy this morning. He arrived to the LRMR Offices much later than the Heat executives. He showed up about 40 minutes after the Heat personnel.
10:46-- As Heat executives meet with LeBron, fellow free agent Dwyane Wade ( @dwadeofficial ) had this to say on Twitter: "Up early and ready to go.. Another day of pondering my future. Hmmmmmm. Things are interesting to say the least."
Wade met with Chris Bosh last night in Chicago, and speculation from last weekend was that LBJ and Bosh would join Wade and sign with Miami.
During their dinner last night, Bosh tweeted a picture (see below) of him sitting at the table with Wade, with one open seat in between them. In the tweet, Bosh wrote, "Great way to end day 1 of #freeagency although it feels like someone is missing..."
10:38 a.m.-- The Heat have arrived. Miami Heat executives have arrived at the IMG Building on E. 9th street to give their pitch to LeBron. The Heat party included team president Pat Riley, senior vice president Andy Elisburg and former player Alonzo Mourning.
According to the Plain Dealer's Brian Windhorst ( @pdcavsinsder ), LBJ really liked the Nets pitch from yesterday.
9:03 a.m. -- A woman from Northeast Ohio, Saundra Brown, has written a song called "Hey LeBron!" and sent it to NewsChannel5. Lyrics include "please stay, LeBron, stay." Listen to it by clicking on the play button:
8:52 a.m. -- The New York Knicks offered LeBron James two options during yesterday's presentation, according to a report from SI.com .
The first option is for the Knicks to offer James a maximum contract, about $95 million over five years. By offering James the maximum contract, the Knicks still have room to sign a free agent like Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire or Joe Johnson to the maximum money.
The second option is for James to take less money--about $11.5 million a year for five years--and then the Knicks could potentially sign two big-name free agents to similar deals. The second option would allow for James to possibly play with Stoudemire and Johnson, assuming that LeBron and the Knicks could convince them to play for less money in New York.
8:30 a.m.-- The Miami Heat reportedly got a head start on today's meeting with LeBron James when Heat President Pat Riley met with James agent for nearly 45 minutes last night, according to the Plain Dealer.
Riley and Andy Elisburg, the Heat's senior vice president/ assistant general manager of basketball operations, met behind closed doors with James' agent Leon Rose at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.
Riley also addressed the Cavs hiring of coach Byron Scott, saying, "I'm not surprised about new Cavaliers coach Byron
Scott. He's a good choice. He'll do a wonderful job."
8:15 a.m. -- Plain Dealer: Miami Heat President Pat Riley addresses the Cavaliers new coaching hire. "I'm not surprised (about Byron Scott). He's a good choice. He'll do a wonderful job."
5:00 a.m. -- The Miami Heat is scheduled to meet with LBJ first, with a presentation that should begin at mid-morning, according to the South Florida Sun Sentinel. The Heat is led by team president Pat Riley, owner Micky Arison, his son and team executive Nick Arison, coach Erik Spoelstra, and team cap specialist Andy Elisburg.
After the Heat, the Los Angeles Clippers president Andy Roeser and general manager Neil Olshey will likely make a 90-minutes, according to the Pasadena Star News.
3:25 a.m. -- Chris Bosh tweeted, "Just had dinner w @dwadeofficial. Great way to end day 1 of #freeagency although it feels like someone is missing..." Meanwhile, Dwayne Wade tweeted, "You only get one July 1st. Had a blast but glad the first day has came and went. Gotta get some rest 2morrows another big day." They both spent the first day of free agency in Chicago.
Here's the the picture that Bosh tweeted...
2:15 a.m.-- Steve Buckley of the Boston Herald blogs Cleveland is "a struggling city" with a "sorry sports history" and fans hope LeBron will want to stay, despite millionaires and rap stars courting the King. Buckley writes this free agency is like "professional sports meets reality TV, and it is intoxicating."
12:30 a.m.-- Plain Dealer Cavaliers beat writer Brian Windhorst tweeted: Byron Scott on Cavs: "This is a great job and an impressive organization and I am very happy to be a part of it." Cavs GM Chris Grant on Scott: "He is a strong leader with a proven track record of winning in both the regular season and the playoffs."
12:10 a.m. -- Cleveland Cavaliers have officially announced the Byron Scott is the team's new Head Coach. There is a Press Conference scheduled for 3 p.m. to formally introduce Scott.
DAY 1: JULY 1
11:00 p.m. -- NBA Insider Ric Bucher puts on his Twitter account: "We're still days away from LeBron announcing his decision, but I can't escape the feeling he already knows what he's going to do." -@RicBucher tiny.cc/2sw0t
10:45 p.m. -- Dwyane Wade was in his hometown of Chicago and had a meeting with the Bulls at the United Center. He met with the Nets this evening and will meet with the Knicks tomorrow while as mentioned before..the Miami Heat will be here in Cleveland to court LeBron. tiny.cc/tsxre
10:39 p.m. -- The Star-Ledger, out of Newark, New Jersey says the Nets hit a grand slam in their meeting with LeBron James today. Owner Mikhail Prokhorov, limited partner and rap mogul Jay-Z among other top ranking Nets officials were the first to meet with LeBron after the free agency period began. tiny.cc/28jlc
10:33 p.m. -- The Chicago Bulls are meeting with LeBron on Saturday and they already seem to have a plan to outline their history and focus on winning championships. Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, executive vice president John Paxson, general manager Gar Forman and coach Tom Thibodeau are all expected to be in the meeting with James. tiny.cc/gp7rp
10:30 p.m. -- forbes.com says that the Knicks pitch to LeBron is that coming to New York will make him a billionaire. tiny.cc/4cznj
10:27 p.m. -- Chris Bosh posts on Twitter: "Headed to the next meeting. Time to hear what the Nets have to offer..." -@chrisbosh. twitter.com/chrisbosh
10:21 p.m. -- Miami Sun-Sentinel confirms that Pat Riley and other Miami Heat officials are scheduled for a visit with LeBron James tomorrow. The Heat have already talked with Chris Bosh. miniurl.org/mH6
10:15 p.m. -- The New York Post's recap on the Knicks meeting with LeBron. Knicks feel is was productive and were thrilled to sit down with LeBron James and discuss their franchise. tiny.cc/754fb
10:10 p.m. -- WEWS Twitter twitpic.com/21myhk Downtown lights up with Cleveland's message for LeBron.
9:59 p.m. -- Jeff Goodman of Fox Sports reports over Twitter, the Los Angeles Lakers have offered Mike Miller a 5 year $30 million contract. Miller is one of the guys the Cavaliers could be targeting this off-season.
Goodman is also reporting that both LeBron James and Dwyane Wade will recruit Miller no matter where either one ends up.
4:10 p.m. -- Knicks head coach Mike D’antoni joked that it was liberating, even saying "You know what was good? LeBron James being there," after he got out of the meeting. But also said they’re “going to make the sales pitch at a few more stops.”
3:35 p.m.-- LeBron left the building shortly after the group from the New York Knicks.
3:30 p.m. -- SI.com writer Paul Forrester tells Fox News he predicts LBJ will stay, which has been the minority opinion among most sports commentators.
3:22 p.m. -- The Knicks are done meeting
with LeBron after about two and a half hours, from @pdcavsinsider .
2:53 p.m.-- LBJ's meeting with the Knicks is already 20 minutes longer than his meeting with their cross-river rival Nets, Tweets the Plain Dealer's Brian Windhorst ( @pdcavsinsider ). Looks like these two teams will have more to argue about than just the new billboard featuring Jay-Z outside Madison Square Garden, with the words "Blueprint for Greatness."
2:17 p.m. -- ProBasketballTalk.com lays out the schedule: Clippers and Heat Friday, Bulls and Cavs Saturday, and fireworks and barbecue on Sunday. The Bulls have a few busy days ahead, with already meeting with Dwyane Wade and a meeting planned with Chris Bosh later on Thursday, The Chicago Sun-Times reports .
1:38 p.m. -- Andy Baskin has learned that the Cavs have teamed up with the grassroots movement, MoreThanAPlayer.org to show LeBron and the city of Cleveland they want the King to stay. You'll now see the Cavaliers logo appear with shirts and signs supporting the movement.
1:21 p.m. -- ESPN reports LeBron will meet with Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat on Friday and wrap up with a meeting with the Cavs on Saturday. Earlier in the day, the Plain Dealer is reporting the King with hold court with the Los Angelos Clippers and the Heat on Friday.
1:09 p.m. -- LeBron will meet with two teams Thursday, Friday and Saturday, according to ESPN. The report from ESPN is that he will make a decision by Monday.
12:56 p.m. -- The New York Knicks have arrived at the LRMR offices on E. 9th Street in Cleveland.
12:48 p.m. -- The Nets have left the LRMR offices in Cleveland. They told ESPN they thought the meeting went well.
12:19 p.m. -- LeBron and his management group is currently in meetings with the New Jersey Nets at his LRMR offices in the IMG building on East 9th. Once those meetings are done, he is likely going to meet with the New York Knicks personnel, who arrived at the Burk airport this morning around 11:20.
The Knicks arrived with team President Donnie Walsh, along with plenty of presentation equipment. Walsh, 69, arrived wearing a neck brace and using a wheelchair as a precaution after recent neck surgery .
12:00 p.m. -- LeBron's decision could come quickly. James hopes to have a decision about his future made by Monday, July 5, according to ESPN's Ric Bucher . He can't sign with a team until July 8, but he can make a verbal agreement before then.
11:20 a.m. -- Nets owner Mikail Prokhorov, Head Coach Avery Johnson, and part-owner rapper Jay-Z just arrived at the IMG Building.
11:14 a.m. -- Early this morning, I learned that the Cavs are not planning a press conference for later today. Look for an announcement today. Press conference tomorrow. To set the record straight on what happened with Byron Scott and Brian Shaw: the Cavs never offered a contract to Shaw. The Cavs brain trust got together early on Tuesday. They decided then that Byron Scott was the man they wanted. Scott was offered the Cavs a man that has won NBA championships as a player, and has been to the finals as a head coach. Scott was the teams first choice after Tom Izzo passed on the job. When Shaw left town he knew the Cavs were mulling over who they wanted. -Baskin
11:01a.m. -- LeBron has arrived at his offices on East 9th.
11:00 a.m. -- It looks like LeBron James really gave the Cavs homecourt advantage by holding his meetings at the LRMR offices at the IMG building. If Cavs fans are serious about cheering him on now they know where is he having the meetings. I envision a flash crowd on the East 9th corner at some point during the day. -Baskin
10:31 a.m. -- LeBron had a short stay at home. He stopped at his Bath Township home for only a few minutes and has already left the residence. No word on where he was heading, or who was with him.
10:15 a.m.-- The crew that WEWS has camped outside of LeBron's house in Bath, Ohio, just saw James returning home. He reportedly left the residence last night around 9:30, and returned a few minutes ago.
9:43 a.m.-- The Atlanta Hawks Joe Johnson has reportedly been offered the maximum contract from the Atlanta Hawks, and he plans to accept that offer to stay with his current team, according to Yahoo! Sports .
If Johnson does decide to accept the six-year, $119 million deal, that will take away to possibility of him teaming up with LeBron, which had been rumored throughout the summer.
9:28 a.m. -- The Nets entourage is expected to arrive in Cleveland any minute, according to the Plain Dealer's Brian Windhorst ( @pdcavsinsider ).
The group of Nets executives to make their pitch to LeBron reportedly includes new owner Mikhail Prokhorov, part-owner (and LeBron's good friend) Jay-Z, and coach Avery Johnson.
9:00 a.m. -- The New York Knicks are set to meet with LeBron James, Amare Stoudemire and Joe Johnson today, according to ESPN. The Knicks and New Jersey Nets will be in town to meet with James, and the teams will also meet with some of the other free agents of this talented
class.
Chris Bosh, long considered a potential running mate for LeBron, posted on Twitter ( @chrisbosh ) that he has already met with the Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets, Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat.
4:50 a.m. -- According to a blogger with the New York Daily News, LeBron's first meeting will be with the Nets today at the IMG Cleveland offices downtown, on East 9th Street. LeBron's management company, LRMR , also has an office in the 9th Street building, so the meeting is likely taking place in his office rather than the IMG offices. The Associated Press is reporting the Nets' traveling party includes new owner Mikhail Prokhorov, coach Avery Johnson, and hip-hop superstar Jay-Z, who is a part-owner and James' longtime friend.
4:00 a.m. -- A black limo with Ohio license plates slowed outside LeBron James' mansion around midnight. Our news crew saw the limo leave. The New York Daily News reports the driver spoke only broken English. Fans outside King's estate joked, "It must be Russian!" (The owner of the New Jersey Nets, is Russian.)
1:04 a.m. -- My sources told me yesterday the free agent meetings are not at LeBron's house. Today, I was told the meetings will be in Cleveland. Based on information I have, LeBron will meet with owners at a site away from the airport. If I was Lebron, I would hold the meetings at Atlantic Aviation next to the I-X center. It's a very secure area and the media would not be able to get pictures or interviews. Teams would have to walk about 10 steps off of a private plane into the office. The only shot anybody could see would be planes landing at Hopkins. But, I think he is talking to them off-site. We are expecting to see him meet with the Nets, Knicks, Bulls, Clippers and Miami in the next 48 hours. -Baskin
12:50 a.m. -- Sam Amick of AOL Fanhouse is reporting Byron Scott and the Cavs have agreed to "essential terms, with details to be worked out throughout the night," according to his agent. -Baskin
12:44 a.m. -- Writers from both the Chicago Tribune and New York Daily News are outside LeBron house. The fans outside the house wrote a letter to LeBron. They addressed it to "1 Really Huge Mansion, Bath, Ohio". LeBron's security did accept the letter. The earlier box dropped off was the size of a pizza box, but three times thicker." Traffic is streaming by the house. -Baskin
12:30 a.m. -- The PD's Brian Windhorst is Tweeting his fingers off. Here are a few of his tweets over the last half hour.
"Sometime today the #Cavs are expected to contact Brendan Haywood. There is a chance of a double sign-and-trade to Dallas with Shaq. "
"also expected to contact shooting guards Ray Allen, John Salmons and Mike Miller at some point on July 1. "
"The Cavs obviously will have interest in Chris Bosh & Amare' Stoudemire, but likely would not get serious unless they re-sign LeBron."
"Also, expect the #Cavs to contact forward Al Harrington. OK, that's all the stuff I've been holding based on sources"
No question about it. Windy and Micheal Reghi are the guys I trust on this story. I say that not only as someone who is in the media. But someone who traveled for three years with them, when I did Cavaliers in the Post on FSN. - Baskin
12:24 a.m. -- Our reporter at LeBron's house says the box was from an NBA team. -Baskin
12:11 a.m. -- Report from Bath outside LeBron's House. Six people outside LeBron's compound with Cavs gear and signs. Fans say that LeBron left at 9:30 p.m. No cars in or out of his compound after 12:01. A limo driver did drop off a package at 12:01. -Baskin
12:01 a.m. -- LeBron James is a free agent. He is now free to talk to any NBA team. He can't sign with another team until July 8. He has turned down his is one year $17 million extension. We are still waiting to hear any updates on Byron Scott getting the head coaches job. The Cavs also extended a qualifying offer to Jawad Williams, making him a restricted free agent. -Baskin
DAY 0: JUNE 30 (one day before LeBron becomes free agent)
11:06 p.m. -- Reports Byron Scott negotiating with the Cavs. Brian Shaw drops out of running. Less than 1 hour until Lebron-aggedon.
3:09 p.m. -- ESPN's NBA analyst Chris Broussard is reporting that the NJ Nets will be the first to meet with LeBron at 11a.m. Thursday and the NY Knicks will meet with him at 1 p.m.
ONE DIRECTION star NIALL HORAN has vehemently denied rumours the pop stars have been performing drunk during their U.S. tour after fans claimed to have spotted them sipping spirits on stage at a gig in Kentucky.
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