The mixed messages LeBron James sent during his MVP acceptance in Akron, Ohio, on Sunday swayed oddsmakers into thinking he’s not likely to bolt Cleveland come July.
Yesterday, the Cavs were installed as solid 1-3 favorites to re-sign James when he becomes a free agent July 1, according the gambling website Bodog.com.
However, New York can remain hopeful. The Knicks, with whom James has flirted for two years, were installed as a prohibitive second choice at 3-1.
The Nets, whose minority owner is James’ close friend, Jay-Z, were a distant third choice at 10-1. (Vegas does not accept such bets).
Because of the rampant speculation about James eyeing the Knicks, the club has sold more than 2,300 new season-ticket packages for next season.
James, honored by Commissioner David Stern before last night’s Cavs-Celtics second-round series, lauded his hometown of Akron on Sunday.
But during a Sunday press conference — and in an ABC interview — he hardly was definitive about staying in Cleveland
Stern agreed with the oddsmakers last night, saying the collective-bargaining agreement favors free agents staying with their clubs. The commissioner said he hopes the LeBron speculation doesn’t overshadow the playoffs — and that he would like to see Cleveland keep its man.
At one point Sunday, James said of Akron, “This is home for me. I love this place to death. Every day I wake up, I understand that I’m not just carrying myself, but I’m also carrying this city to bigger and better heights. No matter where life may head me, I’m never gone from here.”
On ABC Sunday, James teased, “It’s going to be a great summer.”
Sunday’s event at the University of Akron could foreshadow the future. James could make his announcement he’s re-signing with Cleveland in Akron. That he’s keeping wiggle room is testament to his flair for the dramatic, but the Knicks’ odds get better if Cleveland is stunned in the second round by Boston.
Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert was on stage with James during the MVP ceremony and declared, “I’m sure we’ll be here next year with MV3.”
Knicks president Donnie Walsh, who returned last night from vacation to gear up for the most important offseason in Knick history, has said he realizes the challenge of dragging James out of his hometown.
The Heat have cap space, but their odds of signing James as a tandem with Wade was put at 35-1.
The Knicks’ home-run goal is pairing James with either Chris Bosh or Amare’ Stoudemire, as they have enough cap space for two maximum contracts. Coach Mike D’Antoni feels a player such as James would be intrigued by rebuilding a dead franchise in the world’s greatest city.
The Knicks’ likelier scenario, however, is landing Atlanta shooting guard Joe Johnson — a significant step down in class from James.