It’s now day two of the "Summer of LeBron" as Thursday officially started this year’s much anticipated free agency period. The New Jersey Nets and New York Knicks were the first two teams to attempt to woo LeBron James to join them for the next stage of his superstar career. Players cannot officially sign until July 8th, but they are allowed to negotiate with clubs and agree to a contract verbally.
Both teams met with James in Cleveland yesterday. It has been reported that James would like to make his decision by Monday, and he is scheduled to meet with the Heat and Clippers today, the Bulls on Saturday and the Cavaliers on Sunday.
Cleveland today is expected to announce its hiring of Byron Scott as their next head coach. Scott was in his sixth season as coach in New Orleans last year when he was let go just nine games into the schedule. The Cavs fired Mike Brown after a second-round playoff loss to Boston.
And Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach Phil Jackson announced on Thursday that he will return for another season. Jackson said last week that he was leaning toward retirement after guiding the Lakers to their second championship in a row, but will now come back and look to lead the team in an attempt to record his 12th NBA coaching championship.
