Lebron James said he'll consider signing an extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers this summer, well before he enters the free-agent market in 2010.

"You play out the season of course; I will consider it," James told The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer on Saturday. "The direction we are headed is everything I expected and more."

James, under contract for two more seasons, can hit the free-agent market in July 2010. There has long been speculation James will eventually end up in one of the NBA's larger markets, particularly with the New York Knicks.

The Cavaliers have the second-best record in the NBA at 22-4.

"I definitely want to keep an open mind, I will look at everything," James said. "(The extension) is a good point. I think me and my group have pretty much made good decisions so far and we'll look at the options and go from there."

James signed a three-year, US$43 million deal with the Cavaliers in 2006. The deal includes a player option for 2010-11 worth $17.4 million.

(Agencies via Shanghai Daily December 22, 2008)