By Bill Eichenberger

updated 3:14 a.m. ET July 1, 2008

NEW YORK - Faced with questions about possibly signing with the New York Knicks or New Jersey Nets when he becomes a free agent in 2010, LeBron James on Monday said he will remain committed to the Cleveland Cavaliers as long as they remain as committed as he is to winning an NBA championship.

"I just want to win," James said. "I want to get better every year. That's all I ask. I know me. I know I will go to the gym and work out and make sure I'm better the next year. I just need for the organization to make that same commitment, which I think the Cavs have."

Still, James admitted he couldn't help but smile when he heard his name mentioned during last week's NBA draft as the Nets traded Richard Jefferson and his high salary, a move many interpreted as part of an attempt to free up cap space before making a run at James.

"It's kind of funny, honestly," said James, at a Manhattan hotel Monday with his U.S. Olympic basketball teammates for a media appearance. "I just kind of laughed at it."

Pressed to elaborate on his feelings toward possibly leaving the Cavaliers and playing for the Nets or the Knicks, James was careful not to rule out any possibilities. In fact, he seemed to enjoy entertaining the prospect of continuing his career in the New York market.

"They have a right to dream about it," James said when asked if he can understand why Knicks and Nets fans are excited about the prospect of him playing for their team. "I can't take that away from them."

He said he understands why people think it could happen, pointing out that his much-discussed friendship with rapper Jay-Z began long before he became part-owner of the Nets and that his love for Madison Square Garden, the home of the Knicks, began "before I even got to the NBA."

"For some reason, whenever I get to the Garden, I play well," James said. "So I guess they want me to do it for 41 games instead of two games a year."

James went on to say that New York is his favorite city and Brooklyn his favorite borough in the city. "Some of my best friends are from Brooklyn," he said.

James also praised Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni, an assistant on Mike Krzyzewski's U.S. Olympic staff. "He's one of the best coaches we have in our league."

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