The Niagara Falls Review

James likely to remain mum on future until July

- CRAIG WEBB Akron Beacon Journal

Remember the date.

On Friday, June 8, 2018, the clock ticked down and the Cleveland Cavaliers lost another National Basketball Associatio­n championsh­ip to the Golden

State Warriors at Quicken Loans Arena.

The Cavs were swept by the Warriors and Friday could be the last time Cavs fans had the opportunit­y to see that “kid from Akron” in a Cleveland jersey.

But only LeBron James knows the answer to the question surroundin­g his future. He can opt out of the threeyear, $100-million contract he signed on Aug. 12, 2016. Free agency starts on July 1. Although negotiatio­ns can begin sooner, James generally takes time to consider his options, which will include his hometown team.

And for now he’s not talking much about what the future holds.

This should come as no surprise. When James left the Cavaliers the first time, he waited until prime time on July 8, 2010, to announce his “Decision” to a worldwide ESPN audience that he was taking his talents to South Beach.

And when he eventually returned home to win a championsh­ip here, we had to wait until a Friday afternoon for the now famous “Letter” penned to

Sports Illustrate­d to arrive on July 11, 2014.

So for now, Cleveland must wait and hope the smell of Swensons burgersand a short work commute up Interstate 77 are enough to convince him to remain with the wine and gold.

 ??  ?? LeBron James
LeBron James

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