James could also wait until the summer of 2010 when he's expected to opt out of his contract. That would make him an unrestricted free agent, free to sign with any team in the league. Even though Cleveland can offer an additional year and more money than any other team, having James take the latter route would add much tension, hand-wringing and sweaty brows for the Cavs.

He was asked about 2010 in Los Angeles this week and didn't really shed any light on the matter.

Many around the league, however, think he's going to stay in Cleveland. Count ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy as one of them.

"To try to predict now what he's going to do, without all the facts, is not easy," he said. "But if they win a championship in the next two years, and that's what he's about, why would he leave? If they are in contention for a championship, why would he leave?

"If that's not what he wants and he wants to be in one of the three or four biggest cities to maximize his marketing opportunities, then maybe he won't. But he's big enough that it doesn't matter (for marketing purposes) where he is."

James said in November that he wants to go to a team that offers him the opportunity to win multiple championships. As previously stated, that team might be the Cavs.

"The Cavs are doing all they can to retain him," Van Gundy said. "At end of day, I think he realizes that. He has a high IQ with what it takes to win. He has the roster, coach, GM and ownership who demand winning. Very few times do the stars align like that. At end of the day, I think that will prevail.

"For the great ones, it's always better to play your whole career in one place and to build something. He's been able to build something in Cleveland. He reached the NBA Finals with a roster that I think had a lot of holes. He's already had one crack at it. If they stay the course, have good health and good luck, they could easily do it again this year."

CAVALIERS 102, JAZZ 97: The Cavs wrapped up a 3-1 West Coast trip by disposing of the Jazz on Saturday at EnergySolutions Arena.

Forward LeBron James flirted with a triple-double and finished with 33 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists.

The Cavs (34-8) boast two former Jazz players on their roster, and both had strong games in their return to Salt Lake City. Point guard Mo Williams fired in 25 points and had four assists, while shooting guard Sasha Pavlovic added 13 points, including two free throws with 16 seconds to play.

Center Anderson Varejao contributed 14 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. He made seven of eight shots from the field.

The Cavs are now 14-8 on the road and 13-2 against the Western Conference.

Forward Paul Millsap had 24 points and 15 rebounds for the Jazz (25-18), while guard Deron Williams had 17 points and a season-high 16 assists.