With rumors surfacing about reigning NBA MVP LeBron James making a move to the Los Angeles Lakers, James says he wants nothing to do with the discussion.
Responding to an ESPN.com report on Thursday that teams, like the Lakers, are already are plotting for the next time he potentially can become a free agent, James said his only focus is on helping the Heat defend their title.
"I'm here, and this is what it's all about," James said after the Heat's 105-78 preseason win over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday. "I'm preparing for this season, preparing to defend our title and that's it. This is where ... I'm here now.
"That story, I don't know where it came from, but I understand why it came up because of who I am -- it's going to happen," James told reporters after Miami's first preseason home game. "But I'm not going to worry about it. I've got to continue to stay focused with these guys and make sure we're ready for any challenges that come."
According to ESPN, multiple NBA executives believed the Lakers could be in the running to pursue James, and could potentially have the salary-cap space to offer James a maximum deal should Kobe Bryant follow through with his plans to retire when his contract ends after two more seasons.
Miami's 'Big Three' of James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh each signed contracts as free agents in 2010 that allows them to opt out of those deals after the 2013-14 season or remain with the Heat for the additional two seasons.
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