James sends signal to Cavs

NBA: LeBron James is going to make the Cleveland Cavaliers wait – and sweat.

James indicated Friday that he is unlikely to accept a contract extension from the Cavs until after the 2009-10 season and presumably will become a free agent.

At an event in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, to unveil Nike Air Max LeBron VII, the latest sneaker in his signature line, James made his strongest comments yet about his future. The NBA’s reigning MVP said he signed a three-year contract in 2006 to give him more options once it expires.

“I signed a contract in 2006 with an option, and it would make no sense for me to sign that contract if I didn’t keep my options open,” he said. “I’ll let you fill in the blanks.”

The Cavaliers offered James a contract extension on July 18, the three-year anniversary of the signing of his current contract. The team could offer the extension – at the highest salary allowed – of up to three years. James can sign the extension offer anytime before June 30, 2010.

Associated Press

Beckham eyes MLS market

Soccer: Los Angeles Galaxy star David Beckham said he is thinking about buying a Major League Soccer franchise when his current contract is up.

That time is drawing nearer.

Beckham has two years left on the five-year deal he signed to join the Galaxy in 2007. He said his deal gives him the right to buy an existing franchise or start a new one.

Asked in Cambridge, Mass., what he would do next, Beckham said he was “definitely interested” in becoming a MLS owner. He couldn’t say for sure whether he would play for the team as well. He turns 36 in 2011.

Associated Press

Cure for L.A. traffic jams

Autos: Red Bull’s New Year, No Limits series is moving from Las Vegas to La-La-Land, and this time it’ll be Travis Pastrana’s turn to try to wow the crowd.

Pastrana will try to break the world record for the longest jump in a car. A handful of Los Angeles landmarks are being considered for the New Year’s Eve stunt by the freestyle motocross star and rally car champion.

Pastrana hopes to shatter the record of 171 feet set by Subaru teammate Ken Block in a rally car in November 2006.

“It depends on what venue they chose, but basically we’re going to be jumping well over 200 feet in a car, which should be a lot of fun,” the 25-year-old Pastrana said. “It’s going to be a good flight. You’ll have enough time for peanuts on this one.”

Pastrana thought of jumping over Interstate 5, but Red Bull officials have nixed that idea.

Associated Press