While most of northeast Ohio is looking forward to a weekend of cookouts and fireworks, LeBron James is gearing up for meetings that will determine his future. This morning he met with the Nets -- their Russian billionaire owner, and part owner entertainer Jay-Z. That meeting was followed by a gathering with the Knicks this afternoon.
Going INTO today there was a lot of mystery about where these gatherings would take place. It turns out they met at the offices of James' marketing company on East 9th Street in downtown Cleveland.
{sound of street}
Outside the building on all four street corners stood a dozen or so people with signs that read "Home" and "Community." Now here's the unusual thing...When a reporter with a microphone approached....
REPORTER: "Hi, my name is Eric Wellman with WCPN, can I ask you a couple questions?"
They refused to talk - they gave me a curt shake of the head. No luck across the street either. One of the sign holders finally took mercy and explained they were actually employees of the Cavaliers. Cavs Marketing and Promotions Manager, Joel Layman says the gesture is to show James he's wanted.
LAYMAN: "We're just here to support LeBron. Hope he stays here. He means a lot to the city so we're just here for him."
And that's a sentiment any fan would express, whether or not the Cavs cut their check.
As for what's on tap for the next few days...nothing's been confirmed. But area media are reporting that James will field pitches tomorrow from the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers, and the Chicago Bulls on Saturday.