On July 1st, 2008, LeBron came to New York with Team USA exactly 2 years before his free agency- and was very open about his love for NYC.

"I loved the Garden way before I got in the NBA....For some reason when I get to the Garden, I always play well," James said yesterday. "So they want me to do it for 41 games instead of two games a year."

Mike D'Antoni was also not shy about his role as an assitant coach on Team USA. The New York post reports: "D'Antoni admitted he's in an advantageous position coaching James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Chris Paul, all free agents in 2010.

"It doesn't hurt any," D'Antoni said. "I'm not going to be real hard on them, that's for sure. They're going to like me before this is over with."

And LeBron was not shy about letting people know about how much he loves D'Antoni. "Asked about being around D'Antoni the past few days, James raved, "It's been great. He's one of the best coaches we have in the league. He's going to bring that style to the East Coast. And I'm very excited for him and very happy for him."

"I have dreamed about playing well in this building," James said. "To me, it has overtaken anything I have dreamed about. To get a standing ovation in the greatest basketball arena in the world is a dream come true to me. It's one of the best things that have ever happened to me."