LeBron Huge in Getting Hughes

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Cavaliers swingman LeBron James is undoubtedly one of the league's top players. Apparently, he's also a pretty good recruiter.

"Throughout the season, he constantly asked if I was coming to play with him," Cavaliers shooting guard Larry Hughes said. "He didn't want me to go back to Washington. He knew I was a free agent. He wanted another guy who could get the job done."

Hughes, who signed a five-year contract worth about $60 million on Thursday, believes he can be that "guy." The 6-foot-5, 184-pounder, along with forward Donyell Marshall, were introduced at Quicken Loans Arena.
"I definitely believe that (I can be that guy)," Hughes said. "It's going to be real tough to double team (center Zydrunas Ilgauskas)."
When the Cavaliers came to the MCI Center in Washington on April 15, they were desperate for a victory.

"But you could tell they were that one guy short to get it done," Hughes said. "I feel like I can help."

The Wizards made an offer to retain his services, but it wasn't close to what he felt he deserved. About that time, Cavaliers coach Mike Brown made a visit to his home in St. Louis, which might have swayed his vote.

"Mike came in and talked to him and explained their vision," agent Jeff Wechsler said. "That meant a lot to him."

Also, the Wizards offer wasn't what he expected.

"I didn't feel like I was their free agent," he said. "The offer wasn't what I wanted. I was able to move on. I was looking to be wanted and to find a place to call home. I didn't think it was going in the right direction in Washington. In Cleveland, we can take it to the next level.

"This was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. (I liked) the feeling and vibe that I got from the head guys. I felt this is a great opportunity to be on a good team and to play with a guy who lit up the league in his first two years. He just needed that other guy."

Brown's visit, which included tumbling on the floor with Hughes' kids, made the talented guard realize it just wasn't about basketball.
"It sent a message that it's a family affair; that it's more than just coming to play for our team," he said. "It made everything real."</div>

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