LeBron Love: Akron throwing rally for hometown hero LeBron James as he mulls NBA future

Akron throwing appreciation party for LeBron James

AKRON, Ohio — LeBron James’ hometown is throwing him a big party. Nobody knows if it’s a farewell bash yet — or if he’s even coming.

James’ contributions to Akron will be celebrated on Saturday at “LeBron Appreciation Day,” an event organized by community leaders to show the local superstar how much he is loved as he approaches NBA free agency on July 1.

Organizers said James is aware of the event, but don’t know if he’ll attend.

A message seeking comment about a possible appearance by James was left with his publicist.

The three-hour rally will be held at InfoCision Stadium on the University of Akron’s campus, across from Rhodes Arena, where James played as a high school star and where he accepted his second straight MVP award last month.

The city’s free celebration for James will feature family friendly activities, sky divers, bands and a LeBron look-a-like contest. The award-winning documentary “More Than A Game,” which chronicles James’ rise to fame and his bond with four childhood friends, will be shown.

James will be presented with the first annual Akron Hometown Hero Award to honor “the dynamic and positive impact he has had on the Akron community.” James has held a charity bike-a-thon in his hometown for several years and has donated time and money to help other children’s programs.

All the LeBron-related hoopla comes less than two weeks before James becomes a free agent. The 25-year-old recently said that Cleveland has “an edge” to re-sign him, but James is expected to entertain offers from several teams including Chicago, New York and New Jersey.

James has kept a relatively low profile since the Cavs were knocked out of the playoffs by Boston. He did a sit-down interview with Larry King and made an appearance at a Cleveland event, but has mostly stayed out of the limelight in the weeks leading up to free agency.