MVP LeBron James says in interview that Cavaliers “have an edge” to keep him as free agent

LeBron says Cavs have edge in free agency

CLEVELAND — LeBron James says the Cleveland Cavaliers “have an edge” to sign him when the NBA’s free agency period opens.

In an interview with CNN’s Larry King to be broadcast later this week, James says Cleveland has a good chance to re-sign him because “it’s comfortable. I’ve got a lot of memories here.”

The league’s two-time MVP taped the interview at his home near Akron on Tuesday. The segment will air Friday on CNN’s “Larry King Live,” capping the program’s 25th anniversary celebration on the network.

Other than his postgame interview, James previously hadn’t talked to the media since the Cavs were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by Boston.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

CLEVELAND (AP) — The King has spoken to Larry King.

LeBron James, the NBA’s two-time MVP on the cusp of free agency, taped a sit-down interview at his home near Akron on Tuesday with King. The segment will air Friday on CNN’s “Larry King Live,” capping the program’s 25th anniversary celebration on the network.

Other than his postgame interview, James has not talked to the media since the Cleveland Cavaliers were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Boston Celtics, who then knocked off Orlando and will meet the Los Angeles Lakers in the finals.

It was not immediately known what James discussed with King.

The 25-year-old James heads a star-studded free agency summer class featuring Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer and others. James has not given any hints about his plans, saying only that he and his “team” of advisers will weigh all their options.

The New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls and New Jersey Nets are among a group of teams expected to make a strong push for James when free agency opens July 1.

James has spent all seven seasons as a pro with the Cavs, who offered him a contract extension last year and can give him $30 million more than any other team in a maximum-length deal. Cleveland recently fired coach Mike Brown, who led the team to 143 wins the past two seasons but couldn’t get them to the finals either year.