The courting is over and now it’s decision time for LeBron James to choose his next team for the 2010-11 season and beyond.
The reigning two-time MVP met with his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls on Saturday, wrapping up three days of presentations from a total of six organizations.
“We had a very good meeting with LeBron and his group,” Cavaliers general manager Chris Grant said.
“We had a good time. It was fun. It was very interactive. I would characterize it as positive. We think it’s pretty incredible that LeBron chose to have these meetings here in Cleveland, at his home.”
Throngs of Cavaliers fans lined the street for James as he arrived for the meeting, many of the people held up signs that said “Home” and threw powder in the air to signify James’ pre-game antics with the Cavs.
The Cavaliers, under the guidance of new head coach Byron Scott, met with James for nearly two hours. The Bulls, also with a new head man in Tom Thibodeau, brought in owner Jerry Reinsdorf, general manager Gar Forman, and vice president of basketball operations John Paxson to meet with the superstar.
On Thursday, LeBron met with the Nets and Knicks, and Friday came sit-downs with the Heat and Clippers.
It has been reported that James would like to make his decision by Monday, and speculation is that his decision will trigger a domino effect on much of the remaining star-studded free agent class.
One of those premier free agents is Dwyane Wade, who has already met with the Bulls twice as they try to pry him away from re-signing with the Miami Heat.
The Knicks are courting forward Amare Stoudemire, who flew into New York Saturday. A report on Yahoo! Sports said the Knicks were making progress on a five-year, $100 million contract for Stoudemire.
Forword Chris Bosh is also apparently done with his meetings, as he posted a message on Twitter saying, “finally back in my environment. free agency has been a whirlwind. This decision is not going to be easy.” Miami and Chicago are among two teams who are interested in signing the five-time All-Star.
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