Camper supports LeBron James’ decision

Jakarr Sampson stood out in Cleveland at the King City Classic. Not necessarily because he played better than the other campers at this Nike sponsored event for elite high school players. But because he remains an admirer of LeBron James.
After James announced Thursday night that he would leave the Cleveland Cavaliers and play for the Miami Heat, this city turned against its former favorite son. Dan Gilbert, the owner of the Cavs, called James’ decision to leave “a cowardly betrayal.” Fans burned James’ jersey here and in his nearby hometown of Akron.
“C’mon now, that’s crazy,” Sampson said on Friday, the last day of this camp named for James, heretofore known by the nickname King James. “He brought Cleveland back. They used to be terrible. Tickets used to be $5.”
When a wiseacre reporter noted that ticket prices might return to $5 next season, Sampson laughed and nodded in agreement.
Still, Sampson, who attends the same St. Vincent-St. Mary’s High School in Akron that produced James, said he still thought highly of LeBron.
“Everybody’s upset,” said Sampson, a 6-foot-7 wing who will be a senior next season. “My whole thing is there’s no reason to hate him. He’s real good player. He just wants to win. Who can blame him?”
Sampson considers himself more than a fan of James’. He’s been to the basketball superstar’s home more than once.
“We built a real good relationship,” the high school player said. “. . . He’s a real cool dude.”
Sampson acknowledged that James could have handled the announcement better. James went on ESPN, which staged an hour-long special entitled “The Decision,” to say he would leave. The show also came in the middle of the King City Classic, which has been an annual tribune to James as well as a camp for college recruiters to evaluate prospects.
Nike huge seven banners of NBA stars at one end of Cleveland State’s Wolstein Center, which has been home to the King City Classic. Three of the banners were of James.
“He probably could have waited till the camp ended,” Sampson said of James’ announcement.
Sampson, a top 100 prospect going into the summer according to the Prep Stars recruiting service, said he was considering such schools as Ohio State, Michigan State, Dayton, Xavier, Southern Cal, St. John’s, Miami and Louisville.