ESPN RISE

LeBron Gives Back

Here's the invitation from the King himself:

Dear New York,

Thank you for welcoming me back to New York City, one of my favorite places to play in the world. The Big Apple has always been good to me so I wanted to do something to show my appreciation.

With this in mind, on November 7, 2009, I'm going to open seven gyms around NYC to host free open runs for high-school aged players. I remember being in high school and just wanting to play ball as the seasons changed from fall to winter. The Ohio winter made it tough to play outside so I always saw the opportunity to play in a nice gym as a gift.

It is in giving that I've found the most strength, whether it's on the court with my teammates or at home with my family. In giving this gift of the game to New York City, I want to share that strength with people who love the game as much as I do.

Peace,

LeBron James

NEW YORK -- The King will step foot in the World's Most Famous Arena tonight to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers against the New York Knicks on ESPN (8 p.m. EST).

Knicks fans will surely try their best to convince LBJ to come to New York next year (Not sure if you heard, but he's going to be a free agent).

While there's no telling whether or not Bron will end up in New York, he's at least giving back to the Big Apple in a big way this weekend by opening seven area gyms around the city for high-school-aged kids to play in on Saturday, Nov. 7.

."I remember being in high school and just wanting to play ball as the seasons changed from fall to winter," James said in an invitation being distributed in media outlets today. "The Ohio winter made it tough to play outside so I always saw the opportunity to play in a nice gym as a gift.

Here are the open gym locations and times:
• Long Island University Schwartz Center 1, University Plaza. Brooklyn, NY, 3-6 p.m.
• John Jay College, 899 Tenth Ave. New York, NY, 4-6 p.m.
• Lost Battalion Hall 9329 Queens Blvd. Flushing, NY 2-5 p.m.
• Boys & Girls Republic 888 E 6th St. New York, NY 1-4 p.m.
• Ebbets Field Middle School 352 46 McKeever Pl. Brooklyn, NY 2-4 p.m.
• Hunter College 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 2-4 p.m.
• Asphalt Green 555 E 90th St., New York, NY 2-4 p.m.

Note: All participants under the age of 18 will need a signed waiver by their parent or guardian. These can be downloaded at www.94by50.com/giftofthegame