NEW YORK—NBA All-Stars LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony will headline a four-game US exhibition tour next month while the league remains shut down in a dispute over money.
LeBron James. AFP FILE PHOTO
The “Homecoming Tour” will open December 1 in James’ hometown of Akron, Ohio, continue December 4 at New Orleans and December 7 in Chicago before concluding on December 10 at East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Miami Heat superstars James and Wade, New Orleans Hornets guard Paul and New York Knicks standout Anthony will play in all four games on the tour, which will benefit charities such as food for the needy, clinics and education programs in the four host cities.
“I am so excited to have this opportunity to participate in this tour,” Anthony said. “To couple two of the things I love to do – play basketball and give back – is special.
“This is just the beginning of a movement to facilitate change in our communities and I am happy to be a part of a group of guys willing to lead the charge.”
James will spearhead efforts in Akron, including a youth education initiative and a basketball clinic in his hometown.
“I am really proud of the work we’re doing in Akron and know what this tour means for the community,” James said.
Paul will host events in New Orleans with Wade handling affairs in Chicago and Anthony doing so in New York.
“Being able to play the game I love alongside my friends (and) raising money for charity is a win-win situation,” Paul said.
Chris Bosh, a teammate of Wade and James with the Heat, is also expected to play in all four games.
The games might be as close to an NBA season as some NBA cities will have as talks have broken off and about one-quarter of the NBA schedule has already been called off by the league after being unable to reach a bargaining deal.
Team owners began the lockout on July 1, citing $300 million in losses last season among 22 of the NBA’s 30 clubs.
Players, who made 57 percent of basketball-related income under the old deal, offered givebacks in a new deal but could not make a deal.
As a result, both sides stand to lose half of about $4 billion in annual revenue if the entire season is lost.