CLEVELAND, Ohio (Reuters) – LeBron James insists the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Eastern Conference finals defeat has not affected his commitment to the team but the league MVP stopped short of revealing his long-term plans.
“I’m great. I feel great about this situation that’s going on,” James told reporters a day after the Cavaliers were eliminated by the Orlando Magic in a 103-90 Game Six loss on Saturday.
“Losing this series does not affect the way that I will continue to approach the game here in Cleveland,” the forward added.
However, James declined to say whether he would sign a contract extension with the Cavaliers in the off-season.
“I don’t know,” said the All-Star, who will be eligible for free agency after next season. “I haven’t thought about it just yet.”
James also played down accusations of poor sportsmanship when he left the court after Saturday’s loss without shaking hands with the Magic.
“It’s hard for me to congratulate somebody after you just lose to them,” he said.
“I’m a winner. It’s not being a poor sport or anything like that. If somebody beats you up, you’re not going to congratulate them on beating you up. That doesn’t make sense to me.
“It doesn’t make sense to me to go over and shake somebody’s hand.”
James said he had sent US Olympic team mate Dwight Howard of the Magic an e-mail congratulating him.
While the Cavaliers are left to lick their wounds, the Magic travel to Los Angles to play Game One of the best-of-seven NBA finals against the Western Conference champion Lakers on Thursday.
