The cable channel also let James pick his interviewer, veteran sports journalist and former ESPN reporter Jim Gray, who will chat with James about his decision early in the show, with a fuller follow-up from ESPN’s Michael Wilbon.
“The intention is to do it early on,” Mike Soltys, a network spokesman, said of the signing announcement. “Get the interview with him and then analyze what it means to the NBA.”
The New York Daily News reported that after appearing at Rhodes Arena for his annual skills academy, James played pick-up basketball with several Cleveland Cavaliers and then left at 3:20 p.m. in a White Range Rover. James, who has been a free agent for seven days, is expected to fly to Greenwich, Conn., according to a source close to James.
He wasn’t giving any hints at the University of Akron camp, working out without talking to the media for a third consecutive day. James also spent time at his old high school, St. Vincent-St. Mary, and a park where he spent time as a boy to film videos for his Web site.
ESPN Radio confirmed the network has booked the Boys & Girls Club in Greenwich from 7 to 10 p.m.
The NBA salary cap for next season was set Wednesday at $58.04 million, a higher number than projected that could help Chicago, Miami, New York or Cleveland fill out a roster of stars around James.
There is a feeling among executives in the league that James’ top choices are down to the Chicago Bulls and Cavaliers. The Miami Heat are also an option, especially after they secured commitments from both Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
Despite the location of the meeting, the Knicks are still believed to be the dark horse.