NBA notebook

James’s manager: Race a factor in coverage

Associated Press / October 1, 2010

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LeBron James’s manager said he believes race played a role in how the two-time reigning NBA MVP’s decision to join the Miami Heat was covered this summer.

Maverick Carter did not cite specifics when talking to CNN, other than saying race “definitely played a role in some of the stuff coming out of the media’’ during coverage of James’ free-agent saga.

It’s not the first time race has been a discussion point in the aftermath of what was called “The Decision,’’ an oft-criticized televised special that raised $3 million for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

James did not want to spend much time on the subject after yesterday’s Heat practice.

“I think people are looking too far into it,’’ James said. “But at the same time, sometimes it does play a part in it. I’ve said what I had to say, and I’ll continue to move on.’’

Through a representative, Carter declined comment.

“I don’t walk in LeBron’s shoes,’’ Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “From our standpoint, we’ve moved on from the summer.’’

Hibbert staying put

The Pacers picked up the team option on center Roy Hibbert’s contract, meaning the former first-round pick is signed through next season. Hibbert, entering his third season with the Pacers, averaged 11.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game last year. Coach Jim O’Brien said earlier in the week that Hibbert had the best offseason he’s ever seen . . . The Raptors exercised the third-year team option on swingman DeMar DeRozan’s rookie scale contract. DeRozan, whose deal is now guaranteed through the 2011-12, averaged 8.6 points and 2.9 rebounds in 77 games last season . . . The Lakers waived guard Anthony Roberson and center Russell Hicks just hours before embarking on their European tour . . . Kenyon Martin says he won’t rush his rehab from knee surgery with no contract beyond this season. “The last year of my deal; everybody knows that,’’ the Nuggets forward said. “Ain’t nobody in a hurry to give me one, so why would I be in a hurry to risk further injury? I’m not rushing into it.’’ The 32-year-old veteran said he didn’t want to become a free agent, but he also made clear he wasn’t pleased with the Nuggets. He was hoping for an extension and wasn’t happy they signed Al Harrington to a five-year, $33 million contract this offseason, a deal he said could have been offered to him.