James enjoys getting involved in politics
CLEVELAND - Michael Jordan often was criticized during his playing career for refusing to take a public stand on political or social issues.
In contrast, Cavaliers star and fellow Nike spokesman LeBron James had no problem speaking up for president- elect Barack Obama.
James hosted a free concert by rapper Jay-Z at Quicken Loans Arena on Oct. 30, which was preceded by Obama's 30-minute infomercial on the video board. James also appeared at a Cleveland "Get out the vote rally" and reportedly contributed $20,000 to Obama's campaign.
Before Wednesday's game against the Bulls, James said he first met Obama when both guested on the "Late Show with David Letterman" the same night.
"He's an unbelievable guy, honestly," James said. "He's very smart. I think he's very cool and collected. It seems like he never lets any situation get to him. I kind of like that."
"I don't know if it's going to get black athletes or anybody more aware to go out there and be politically involved in things. I was involved, and I was happy I was."
Maybe politics would be a good move for James. Considering how former NBA guard Kevin Johnson was just elected mayor of Sacramento, what about James for mayor in his hometown of Akron, Ohio?
"Mayor of Akron?" James quipped. "I'm already mayor of Akron. I've been that for about 10 years now."
Noah gets early call: After playing less than 12 minutes combined in the previous two games, Joakim Noah saw extended action in the first half against the Cavs. The second half wasn't as fruitful and Noah finished with 4 points in nine minutes.
"It's nothing," coach Vinny Del Negro said of Noah's lighter playing time. "He's been working hard, just sometimes matchups.
"Aaron Gray gives us a different dimension and at times he's been effective. It's nothing Joakim has done. He's been great. He's worked hard. We'll try to find areas where he can fit in."
Presidential hoops: LeBron James was asked what he thought about president-elect Barack Obama reportedly taking time to play pickup basketball before giving his victory speech Tuesday night in Grant Park.
"They said that's like a ritual for him," James said. "That's like me coming in here and getting a massage before the game. That's what he does. It got him prepared. He had an unbelievable speech. Wow, if it takes basketball for him to say things like that, let him do it."
Time to change: Next Thursday's Bulls-Dallas game at the United Center has been switched to a normal 7:30 p.m. start. The game originally was slated to begin an hour later and be televised by TNT, but it was dropped so the network can show Allen Iverson and the Pistons play Golden State.