Lebron James and his coach Dru Joyce were on NPR promoting Lebron’s new book “Shooting Stars“.
[You can listen to the full interview online]
The discussions revolved around Lebron’s high school experience, sponsorships, some of the most memorable games that he lost, his new teammate Shaq and his plans for 2010. But probably the most intersting question was from a caller who asked about Lebron’s relationship with his girlfriend:
RAY (Caller): Hey, good to talk to LeBron and Coach Joyce. I have great respect for the work you do. I am involved in high school basketball, I’m an area coach. I saw LeBron’s team win two state championships. I saw them lose one, too, to that Cincinnati team, but I’ve really been impressed by the continued growth in LeBron. And I saw Coach Joyce’s team this summer. They are going to be awesome again.
But here is my question for LeBron. You’re such a role model. Your growth and development and maturity have been awesome, and I have a 17-year-old son, and I can’t think… But LeBron, one important thing that you could really do that would affect society, and this is a lot to ask of you, but I really respect your commitment to family, your commitment to your children, your relationship with the mother of your children, and I know it’s a tough thing, and it’s a personal thing, but do you know how powerful it would be if you personally made a commitment to marriage?
CONAN: Whoa. All right…
Mr. JAMES: Well, you know what’s funny about that? Me and Coach Dru had a long conversation about that about a week ago. And you know, Coach Dru, you know, is someone I’ll always go to in advice, you know. And I asked him about that, and you know, I think we came to the conclusion that basically we’re going to have to – you know, you make that decision when you think you’re ready for it. You know, you don’t want to jump into the situation because other people may want you to get married, or you know, maybe one of the parties may want to be married at the time.
You know, when you both feel like you guys are ready, and right now, I feel like I’m still young, I still don’t really know everything. But you know, when I feel like I’m ready, and I think Savannah’s ready, we’re, you know, there’s a possibility we can make that decision. Great question, by the way.
About Lebron’s free agency:
Daniel in Lansing, New York, emails to say, born and raised in Cleveland, I am an 80-year-old who was never any good at basketball. But because of you, I have become a fan. I love to watch you and the Cavs play. Please continue to play with the Cavaliers. You’ve helped give the people of Northeastern Ohio a new sense of pride. They need you. I need you to play for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Can you tell us anything about your plans following next season?
Mr. JAMES: No. Now, first of all, thank you. That was awesome to know that you have, you know, people like that that really respect the way you play the game of basketball and the way you approach the game of basketball. I think this is going to be a tough decision, honestly, for myself after the end of this year.
And – but I’m looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to hopefully continue on my career in Cleveland or moving on. But I really, I’m really looking forward to this season upcoming.
I think I’m, you know, I think if everything goes right, you know, I’ve always been happy, you know, being in Cleveland. I have never give any indication that I’m going to leave. So, we’ll see what happen. I am a free agent and, you know, I have the right to go anywhere I want to, but you know, my first loyalty is to Cleveland.