CLEVELAND CAVALIERS For LeBron James, media hype is just another day

But for his new teammates, it's a new experience.
CLEVELAND (AP) -- The rest of the Cleveland Cavaliers got a taste of what life will be like with LeBron James around.
The Cavs conducted their annual media day Thursday. In recent years, the event has been greeted with all the excitement of the season's first major snowstorm.
Not this year. Not as long as James, the rookie phenomenon, is on Cleveland's roster.
After surveying the Gund Arena practice court crowded with photographers, television crews and reporters, 7-foot-3 center Zydrunas Ilgauskas shook his head in amazement and laughed.
"This is pretty cool," Ilgauskas said. "It's a lot better than last year. Nobody cared about us."
Must-see
Because of James, apathy and exposure no longer are problems for the Cavaliers. In the span of a few months, they have evolved from league laughingstock to one of the NBA's must-see attractions.
The team is selling tickets for home games at a record pace, and after not appearing on network television in three years, the Cavs will be seen 14 times this season.
Not bad for a team that won just 17 games last season and hasn't made the playoffs since 1998.
"It's good," Ilgauskas said. "All the guys are going to get exposure, not just [James]. Last year, we didn't even make the SportsCenter highlights some nights."
The media spotlight and scrutiny is nothing new for the 18-year-old millionaire and Nike pitchman, so being engulfed by microphones and notebooks while being bombarded by questions is as routine as practicing free throws.
"It's fun," James said. "Sometimes it gets a little grueling."
Shoes due in December
James and the Cavs wore the club's new wine-and-gold home uniforms, but he has yet to break out any of his signature Nike sneakers. His line of shoes is expected to hit store shelves on Dec. 20.
Cleveland's full squad was to practice for the first time today for new coach Paul Silas.
Ricky Davis can't wait to get started.
"We've got a lot of key guys back this year," Davis said. "We've all been together for a while and we got the young fella, LeBron."
Davis is coming off a season in which he led Cleveland in points, assists, steals, minutes and 3-point percentage.
Silas has encouraged Davis to take a more active role as a team leader, something the 24-year-old guard has shied away from in the past.
Silas coached -- and clashed with -- Davis for two years in Charlotte.
"He was wild," Silas said.
However, in his short time in Cleveland, Silas has seen a more mature player than the one he remembered.
"He's already our leader," Silas said. "Even though the focus is on LeBron, Ricky is going to have to be the one."