LeBron to play self in comedy film

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CLEVELAND (AP) -- LeBron James is leaving Cleveland -- for Hollywood.

The Cavaliers superstar and reigning NBA MVP will make his feature film debut by playing himself in an upcoming comedy.

James will appear in "Fantasy Basketball Camp" by Universal Pictures. The movie is about five guys from different backgrounds who come to Las Vegas to live out their fantasy by attending James' basketball camp. Production will begin next summer, when James can become a free agent.

James is experienced in front of the camera. Along with appearing in numerous TV commercials, he has hosted "Saturday Night Live."

Producer Brian Grazer is convinced the All-Star forward can make the transition to the big screen, as rapper Eminem did in "8 Mile." Grazer also produced that picture.

"I initially sought LeBron out because my 8-year-old son, Thomas, and I were just dying to meet him," Grazer said. "But I felt that beyond being one of the world's great superstar athletes, here was someone so relaxed and comfortable with himself that he would have the capability to be that way on screen. Later, when I watched him host 'Saturday Night Live,' and saw his advertising work, it was clear he can do this."

James will be an executive producer on the project along with his business partner, Maverick Carter.

This summer, James has been promoting "More Than a Game," a documentary which chronicles how he and four childhood friends achieved their dream of winning a high school national championship. The film opens Oct. 2.

James is following new Cavaliers teammate Shaquille O'Neal into the film world. O'Neal, acquired by Cleveland in June to help James win his first NBA title, has starred in several motion pictures, including "Blue Chips" and "Kazaam."

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