LeBron James placed a full-page advertisement in Tuesday's Akron Beacon-Journal to thank his "family, friends and fans in Akron," while making no mention of Cleveland.
This comes two days after Zydrunas Ilgauskas took out a similar ad in the Cleveland Plain Dealer to thank fans in Cleveland for their many years of support.
James' ad, which includes images of him at past events in Akron for which he's hosted, says "Akron is my home, and the central focus of my life. It's where I started, and it's where I will always come back to."
James is set to host his annual bike-a-thon in his hometown this weekend. He will hand out 400 bicycles to Akron-area children.
It is not known if the snub of Cleveland, where he played for seven seasons as a member of the Cavaliers, was intentional. James, who was a free agent, signed with the Miami Heat last month.
What follows is the complete text of LeBron's ad:
"To My Family, Friends and Fans in Akron:
"For all my life, I have lived in Akron -- and for that, I am truly a lucky man.
"It was here where I first learned how to play basketball, and where I met the people who would become my lifelong friends and mentors. Their guidance, encouragement and support will always be with me.
"Akron is my home, and the central focus of my life. It's where I started, and it's where I will always come back to. You can be sure that I will continue to do everything I can for this city, which is so important to my family and me. Thank you for your love and support. You mean everything to me.
(signed) LeBron"
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