MANHATTAN — NBA star LeBron James was in town to beat up on the New York Knicks on the basketball court Friday night. Now, he's going to do some charity work off of it.
James led the Cleveland Cavaliers to 100-91 victory against the Knicks Friday night at Madison Square Garden. The 6-foot-8 James scored 33 points.
Friday's game was the only time this season the Cavs and James will visit the Garden. Knicks fans are hoping it's the last time he's here as a visitor.
The Knicks are clearing enough salary cap space for a chance to sign James when he becomes a free agent at the end of this season.
James will remain in the Big Apple on Saturday to open seven area gyms around the city for high-school-aged kids.
The initiative, called "Gift of Game", is a joint venture between James and sportswear company Nike.
"The Big Apple has always been good to me so I wanted to do something to show my appreciation," James wrote in a promotional invitation.
"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."
Here are the open gym locations and times:
• John Jay College, 899 Tenth Ave. New York, NY, 4-6 p.m.
• Boys & Girls Republic 888 E 6th St. New York, NY 1-4 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.
• Ebbets Field Middle School 352 46 McKeever Pl. Brooklyn, NY 2-4 p.m.
• Lost Battalion Hall 9329 Queens Blvd. Flushing, NY 2-5 p.m.
• Long Island University Schwartz Center 1, University Plaza. Brooklyn, NY, 3-6 p.m.
If you're under the age of 18, you will need a signed waiver by a parent or guardian. Download the waiver here.
