HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AP) LeBron James' manager said he believes race played a factor in how the two-time reigning NBA MVP's decision to join the Miami Heat was covered this summer.

Maverick Carter did not cite specifics when talking to CNN for a story that aired Wednesday night, other than saying race "definitely played a role in some of the stuff coming out of the media" during coverage of James' free-agent saga.

It's not the first time race has been a discussion point in the aftermath of what was called "The Decision," an oft-criticized televised special that raised $3 million for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

James did not want to spend much time on the subject after Thursday's Heat practice.