Akron: LeBron kicked off worldwide shoe tour Friday

AKRON -- Cleveland Cavalier LeBron James chose the Ed Davis Community Center gymnasium here as the starting point for a 10-city tour to show off his latest signature athletic shoes -- the Nike brand Air Max LeBron VII shoes.

The new shoe was designed by shoe designer Jason Petrie. The tour will include stops in Paris, London and Shanghai.

James was named the NBA's most valuable player last season.

LeBron was asked about his future intentions of staying with the Cavaliers.

He said his agent and Cavs General Manager Danny Ferry recently had a ''great conversation.'' In the end, it appears LeBron will play out his hand and see what happens in 2010.

LeBron also talked about his new teammate, 7-foot-1, 330-pound center Shaquille O'Neal.