There’s a great article on ESPN uncovering the truth behind Lebron’s age. It’s obvious why people inside and outside the league speculate whether Lebron is really 21 years young…his powerful frame, his accomplishments, his demeanor. Here’s a funny excerpt from the article…

LeBron James slips off his signature Nikes and yells, to no one in particular, “I need five bags of ice!”

Three chairs over, Dwyane Wade shoots LeBron a sly look and retorts: “That’s because you’re 30 years old!”

“No way I buy he’s 21,” Wade said. “Show me that birth certificate, that’s what I want.”

Well, Dwyane, you’re in luck. ESPN.com has obtained a copy of James’ official birth certificate from the State of Ohio Office of Vital Statistics and compared it with records from the City of Akron Department of Public Health.

Here’s the birth certificate…

Yes! Lebron will stay a Cavalier after signing a 3-year $60 million contract!

(AP) - The Cleveland Cavaliers finally got the autograph they wanted most.

LeBron James signed a three-year contract extension worth about $60 million Tuesday, cementing a deal announced last week.

The All-Star forward signed the contract in Las Vegas, where he was preparing to train with the U.S. team for the world championships.

The deal will keep James with the Cavaliers through the 2009-10 season and includes a player option for a fourth year. The extension is for two fewer years than the deal the Cavs offered, a five-year package worth about $80 million.

But by the summer of 2010, James will be a seven-year veteran with the option of seeking a new contract as an unrestricted free agent, making him eligible to negotiate a maximum contract worth 30 percent of the salary cap. Players with less than seven years experience can earn only 25 percent of the cap.

“We did extensive research and with the way the CBA (collective bargaining agreement) is set up, it makes the most business sense to sign this extension and then look at another new contract in four years,” James said last week, following an announcement that eased Cavs fans’ anxieties that had built up as he deliberated over the offer.

The contract will take effect after the 2006-07 season. The 6-foot-8 superstar will earn $5.8 million next season, the last year of his rookie contract.

Also, check out this exclusive interview with Lebron on Cavs.com

Cleveland can breathe a sigh of relief, as LeBron James has decided to sign a five-year extension with the Cavs.

“I am very excited and happy to be re-signing with the Cavaliers. Staying in Cleveland … provides me with the unique opportunity to continue to play in front of my family, friends and fans,” James said in a statement released by his publicist. “I look forward to working toward bringing a championship to our great fans and the city of Cleveland.”

Read the rest of this entry »