James thanks hometown fans in Ohio in newspaper ad

[August 03, 2010]  AKRON, Ohio (AP) -- LeBron James is showing appreciation to his Ohio hometown fans with a full-page newspaper ad as he leaves to play basketball in Miami.

In the ad in Tuesday's Akron Beacon Journal, James thanks Akron residents for their love and support. He calls the city his home and the "central focus" of his life and says he will always come back.

There's no mention of nearby Cleveland, where he played seven seasons for the Cavaliers. Last month he announced his decision to move on to the Miami Heat, leaving some Cavs fans feeling burned.

The ad features photos of James in Akron, including at his annual charity bike-a-thon. This year's event is scheduled for Saturday, and James plans to appear.

[Associated Press]

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