INDEPENDENCE, Ohio _ LeBron James shot down the rumor that he visited some private schools in Philadelphia over the All-Star break, even denying that he was aware of the tale that has swept through the city that hopes to lure James if he becomes a free agent this summer.
NBC Sports Philadelphia television commentator Alaa Abdelnaby, a former NBA player, launched the biggest sports story since the Eagles won the Super Bowl with what he said Tuesday.
"I've told this to a few other people, and I have no problem saying this, my brother lives in the Philadelphia area and he told me that LeBron, last week through a superintendent, was in the area checking out some private schools during the All-Star break," Abdelnaby said on the station's hour-long 5 p.m. show.
After the Cavs' Feb. 13 game in Oklahoma City, their last before the break, James said he was headed to his house in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with his family before going on to Los Angeles for the All-Star Game.
Asked about the rumor after shootaround for Thursday night's nationally televised game against the 76ers, James said, "Pennsylvania? Nah. What are you talking about? Over the All-Star break, I was on vacation and then went to Los Angeles."
Later when he asked a reporter where the story came from off camera, James said, "That's disgusting."
James has been complimentary of the 76ers' Ben Simmons, who is represented by Klutch Sports and James' agent Rich Paul. On Tuesday he said he was flattered by the three billboards recently put up on Interstate 480 by Chester, Pa.-based Power Home Remodeling with messages trying to persuade him to play for the 76ers.
James can opt out of his contract and become a free agent in July. Until recently, Los Angeles and Houston had dominated the rumor mill of possible destinations if he decides to leave Cleveland for the second time.
James and his wife Savannah have three children _ LeBron Jr. (13), Bryce (10) and Zhuri (3).
