Rick Noland
The Gazette
CLEVELAND — A day after saying he’d be open to playing for the Cavaliers again, LeBron James was trying to assure Miami Heat fans he’s totally committed to his current team.
“I love the fans of Miami,” James said Friday after the Heat’s shootaround at Quicken Loans Arena. “I’m here. The question was asked of me, ‘Could I see myself playing back here?’ I said, ‘Yeah’ in the sense of I don’t know what my future holds and I don’t want to take that (option) out.
“I love the fans of Miami. I’ve got everything invested with this team and I’m looking forward to the years to come.”
The 27-year-old James, who spent the first seven years of his NBA career with the Cavs, can opt out of his contract with the Heat after the 2013-14 season, but has two player options that could keep him in Miami through 2015-16.
Yahoo! Sports reported Friday that James, wanting to make the public clamor for his return, had people reach out to Cavs owner Dan Gilbert months ago. So far, the owner’s only response has been silence, the report said.
“The question was asked and I answered it truthfully,” James said of his comments on Thursday. “But it’s all about this season for me and it’s all about playing with this Miami Heat team and trying to win an NBA championship. The fans of Miami shouldn’t be worried about anything at this point.”
The two-time league MVP, who recently moved his fiancée and two sons to Miami to live during the season, was not surprised his statements Thursday drew national attention.
“I’m already on LeBron watch,” he said. “For the most part, everything I do is the LeBron watch.”
In no way, James emphasized, did his comments about possibly returning to Cleveland mean he’s not totally committed to the Heat, which was concluding a six-game road trip.
“My mindset is on this season,” James said. “My mindset is on helping this team win a championship and as a team get better every day. I’m looking forward to getting back to Miami and seeing the fans.”
What’s the fuss?
With Anderson Varejao (wrist), Anthony Parker (back) and Daniel Gibson (ankle) out with injuries, Antawn Jamison was the only Cavs player in uniform who played with James in Cleveland.
“These guys are almost in the same situation I’m in,” second-year Cavs coach Byron Scott said. “They have no ties with him.”
A tie
Cavs rookie Tristan Thompson, the No. 4 overall pick in the draft, is represented by Rich Paul, one of the R’s in James’ LRMR marketing firm. Asked what he thought about James’ comments about possibly playing in Cleveland, Thompson said, “LeBron James is entitled to say what he wants. Only time will tell.”
Two point guards
Though they haven’t been on the same team much in practice, Cavs point guards Kyrie Irving and Ramon Sessions have seen increased game action together due to injuries.
“It’s a lot better now,” Sessions said of playing with Irving. “We’ve seemed a little more consistent lately. Due to injuries — we didn’t wish this — we’re feeling more comfortable and it’s working out for us.
“It’s kind of a vibe now,” he added. “We give that look to each other and we know, ‘You run the wing’ or vice versa.”
Scott has been pleased with the results.
“A lot of this is trial by error, so to speak,” he said. “Just kind of throw them out there and see how they play with each other and try to figure out a way to put both of them in a position where they can be successful together. … Because they’ve been forced to play together, they’ve learned how to share the ball and play with each other and play off each other. Each game it’s gotten better. “
Goal met
Shortly after he was drafted, Thompson joked the person he most wanted to dunk on in the NBA was teammate Irving. The two will be on opposite teams in the Rising Stars Challenge over All-Star Weekend, but Thompson said he’s already taken care of that matter in practice.
“I accomplished that goal in life,” he said. “Now I can rest in peace.”
Injury update
Scott said Gibson, who sprained his left ankle Wednesday against Indiana, would likely be back in action before the All-Star break. The Cavs host Sacramento on Sunday, Detroit on Tuesday and New Orleans on Wednesday, then are off until concluding their nine-game homestand Feb. 28 against Boston.
Parker, who missed his ninth straight game with a strained lower back, is slated to do a little more work at practice today, but his return is not imminent.
Contact Rick Noland at (330) 721-4061 or rnoland@medina-gazette.com.

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