lebron miami

LeBron in a New York state of mind?

More than 2 years of hype, drama, conjecture and expectation have dwindled to a few more hours.

LeBron James' big moment is here - not as an NBA champion but as a free agent. There will be no parade, no ring ceremony, no banner-raising.

Instead, on a prime-time, made-for-TV special his handlers contracted with ESPN, James will announce tonight where he'll play next season and beyond.

James may have tipped his hand according to the New York Post, which reported that he was seen checking out townhouses in Manhattan's West Village, including one previously owned by singer Billy Joel.

That 4,000-square-foot home, which has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, an elevator, and an indoor pool, is listed at $12.95 million.

James gave no indication yesterday as to where he will play next year. Everyone, including fellow NBA players, will have to tune in tonight to find out his decision.

"I'll be watching," said fellow free-agent superstar Dwyane Wade, who agreed to re-sign with Miami yesterday and may be trying to recruit James. "We've scheduled it. I'll make sure I'm in front of the TV tomorrow at 9 to watch, like everyone else."

Norby Williamson, ESPN's vice president of production, said James will announce his plans within the first 10 minutes of the special. Williamson said sportscaster Jim Gray, who was handpicked by James' team, will handle the introduction, announcement and initial questions. A person familiar with the plans said the interview will take place at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich, Conn.

James offered no hints about his plans on his final, full day of free agency. His secret remains safe, despite an information frenzy and growing speculation the 25-year-old superstar might join Olympic teammates Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami, a move that would rock the league.

That's exactly what new Cavs coach Byron Scott doesn't want. He showed up unannounced at James' summer camp at the University of Akron and spent an hour watching the two-time MVP and Cleveland players Jamario Moon, Danny Green, Christian Eyenga and assistant coach Chris Jent scrimmage.

Scott, who was part of the Cavs' presentation team that wooed James last week at the megastar's business office in downtown Cleveland, said he did not speak with James but was keeping his fingers and toes crossed that James' loyalty to his home state will sway his decision.

"I'm always hopeful," Scott said.

The Cavaliers, Heat, Knicks, Bulls and Nets all have made their pitches. They get their answer tonight.