Holding Court With the King
By DAVE HOLLANDER,
AOL
Posted: 2008-02-15 14:36:29
LeBron James: Like a Good Neighbor
LeBron James is one busy 'baller, especially this time of year. Right now the King is down in New Orleans as part of the NBA's All-Star Weekend, dedicating playgrounds, making community appearances, and spending time with his legions of fans. Oh, and then there's also that game to play in on Sunday (James will be making his fourth straight All-Star appearance for the East). But despite all of this craziness, LBJ took a few moments to talk to us about the scene down in the Big Easy, as well as his thoughts on all things insurance now that he's State Farm's newest go-to guy.
HOLLANDER: You've begun a new partnership with State Farm and their sponsorship of the LeBron James Family Foundation's initiative to build innovative and safe playgrounds in communities across the country. The first playground was installed on Thursday at the St. Bernard Recreation Center in New Orleans. How many basketball courts does it have?
LeBron James: Five courts. The one I'm standing on right now has kids playing on it already. It's having an immediate effect.
DH: How close will the new LeBron James playgrounds be to the new Brad Pitt homes?
James: I have no idea what he's doing out here. I know my initiative is to come here and try to bring smiles to kids' faces and to give them something to play on and have fun with. That's why I'm here.
DH: Your friend Warren Buffet owns GEICO Insurance. How's he gonna feel about you gettin' cozy with State Farm?
James: I think he's gonna feel pretty fine. All business is good business. That's one of the keys. Anytime I'm making a change or making a difference, he's fine with it.
DH: You've talked fiscal matters with Buffet. What do you think is the best way to end the nation's housing foreclosure crisis?
James: I'm not sure. You know, that's something I'd definitely have to sit back and do my own research and figure it out that way. At this point I haven't done enough research to even comment on how to change that.
DH: The LeBron James Family Foundations does so much excellent work. Is there a charity you know where Andy Verajao can donate his hair?
James: (laughs) I don't think a charity would even want that.
DH: To what good cause did Ilgausksas give his hair?
James: Yeah, exactly. Well, I don't know. We should take Andy's hair and give it Z. Ha! That's funny!
DH: Many concert pianists have their hands insured. What part of your body would you insure the most?
James: My legs. Because I use my legs to accomplish everyday what I want to accomplish and that's the game of basketball. So I'd start there. But now, my friend, I gotta run.
And just like that, he was gone.
(Dave Hollander is the author of 52 WEEKS: Interviews with Champions! Info at: www.davehollander.com)
China's former NBA player Wang Zhizhi (R) looks for an opening as Angola's Joaquim Gomes guards during their Stankovic Cup basketball game in Hangzhou on July 19, 2008 in eastern China's Zhejiang province. Angola defeated China 72-71. AFP PHOTO/Frederic J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)
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China's NBA star Yao Ming (R) looks for a pass as Angola's Joaquim Gomes (L) guards during their Stankovic Cup basketball game in Hangzhou on July 19, 2008 in eastern China's Zhejiang province. Angola defeated China 72-71. AFP PHOTO/Frederic J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)
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China's NBA players Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets (R) talks with Yi Jianlian of the New Jersey Nets during their Stankovic Cup baskeball game against Angola in Hangzhou on July 19, 2008 in eastern China's Zhejiang province. Angola defeated China 72-71. AFP PHOTO/Frederic J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
China's NBA star Yao Ming checks the scoreboard during their Stankovic Cup basketball tournament game against angola in Hangzhou on July 19, 2008 in eastern China's Zhejiang province. Angola defeated China 72-71. AFP PHOTO/Frederic J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
China's NBA player Yi Jianlian (L) tries to block a shot from Angola's Victor Muzadi (R) during the Stankovic Cup basketball tournament in Hangzhou on July 19, 2008 in eastern China's Zhejiang province. Angola defeated China 72-71. AFP PHOTO/Frederic J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
China's NBA star Yao Ming (C-#13) blocks a shot from Angola's Joaquim Gomes (L) during the Stankovic Cup basketball tournament in Hangzhou on July 19, 2008 in eastern China's Zhejiang province. Angola defeated China 72-71. AFP PHOTO/Frederic J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
China's NBA player Yi Jianlian (2nd R) vies for position with Angola's Victor Muzadi (R-#11) while awaiting the pass from China's Zhu Fangyu (L) during the Stankovic Cup basketball tournament in Hangzhou on July 19, 2008 in eastern China's Zhejiang province. Angola were leading China 32-31 at half-time. AFP PHOTO/Frederic J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
China's NBA player Yi Jianlian wipes his face during their Stankovic Cup basketball tournament game against Angola in Hangzhou on July 19, 2008 in eastern China's Zhejiang province. Angola were leading China 32-31 at half-time. AFP PHOTO/Frederic J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
China's NBA star Yao Ming (R) makes A move for the basket as Angola's Joaquim Gomes (2nd L) guards during the Stankovic Cup basketball tournament in Hangzhou on July 19, 2008 in eastern China's Zhejiang province. Angola were leading China 32-31 at half-time. AFP PHOTO/Frederic J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
Chinese NBA star Yao Ming slam dunks against Angola during the Stankovic Cup basketball tournament in Hangzhou on July 19, 2008 in eastern China's Zhejiang province. Angola were leading China 32-31 at half-time. AFP PHOTO/Frederic J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)
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2008-02-15 12:07:16
