Does LeBron James Have A Future In Coaching ... At Oakland University?
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
AUBURN HILLS (CBS DETROIT) - NBA superstar LeBron James created a bit of a stir at Oakland University the morning of Friday's game between the Detroit Pistons and the Miami Heat, showing up at Oakland's gym to shoot around with his childhood friend and former high school teammate Brandon Weems, an assistant coach for Oakland.
In the locker room before Friday's game, I asked James about his relationship with his friend and his morning workout on the school's campus. He responded just as one would expect, calling Weems a "little brother" and explaining that he and Weems have been friends since James was 6 years old and Weems was 5, that their friendship runs deep, and that he is happy about what Weems has been able to coach at Oakland.
I asked what I perceived to be a quite innocuous follow-up question, and that is when it got interesting - and hilarious.
"Hearing [your friend's] experiences as a coach," I began, "is that something you would ever consider after your playing career concludes?"
"What, coaching at Oakland?" James quickly replied, his eyes widening ever so slightly and looking around with surprise before a small smile crept onto his face as other reporters chuckled.
"Coaching anywhere," I clarified with a smile.
"Oh," James said, breaking into a grin and joining in the laughter.
"I have no idea," James replied. "I don't know. I would love to still be able to give back to the game, but I don't know in what shape or form."
So you're saying ... there's a chance! (But probably not. Sorry, Oakland. I tried.)