LOS ANGELES _ LeBron James knew the question about his future was coming, he just didn't know from whom.
The Cavaliers star was prepared when a reporter from the Los Angeles Times asked him if he has a list of possible destinations if he opts out of his contract and becomes a free agent in July.
James leaving Cleveland for the Los Angeles Lakers has been the subject of speculation for months, but of late the Philadelphia 76ers and Houston Rockets have also been added to the mix as the media frenzy grows.
"No. I've still got too much work to do here," James said at shootaround at the UCLA Student Activities Center for Friday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center.
"One thing about me and my career, your probably don't know, you haven't been around me, that I handle my business accordingly and when that time comes I'll take care of that. But my job right now is to get these guys prepared for the Clippers tonight and then how we can continue to get better going down the stretch."
James understands the hype, especially in a huge market like L.A., where he owns two homes in Brentwood, one likely to be sold, and runs multiple businesses, including SpringHill Entertainment with L.A.-based partner Maverick Carter. He said there was no need to check in on SpringHill this week because "everything is going well."
The Cavs will spend four days in L.A., where they also face the Lakers Sunday.
James did sound certain of one thing, that he will decline the $35.6 million player's option.
"I understand that I'm a free agent at the end of the summer so I understand the frenzy that comes with it. It's not my first rodeo, but it doesn't bother me," James said. "I don't talk about it too much.
"I'll handle that whenever it comes, but I understand that the conversation happens here because first of all they have cap space. And this league is much better when the Lakers, the Knicks, and the Celtics are all good at the same time. That's just how it is. So, that's what also creates the frenzy."
It was not the first time James made the Knicks-Lakers-Celtics comment.
The local media are buzzing about four billboards put up by a personal injury attorney trying to lure James that bear the hashtag #LABron. They come on the heels of a Chester, Pa., business renting three on Interstate 480 in Cleveland trying to persuade James to join the 76ers.
James has not seen the L.A. billboards, except online.
"It's the same as I stated when I saw the Philadelphia billboards. Listen, I'm 15 years into my career and fans and cities want me to play for their team, or have dreams," James said. "My kids see things like that, they think it's cool and I think it's cool. It's flattering more than anything, that a fan of a team or somewhere would want me to play for their city."
Friday might not be the last time James will address playing in L.A. questions, which might also come up after Sunday's game.
