LeBron just wants Carmelo to be happy

LeBron James quickly distanced himself from the hype, refusing to get caught up in the ongoing speculation about Carmelo Anthony's possible future in New York.

The Heat superstar tiptoed around questions regarding his friend, whom the Nuggets might trade because Anthony can become a free agent after the season.

"I believe that at the end of the day, he has to do what's best for himself and his family," James said Thursday night before the Heat lost to the Knicks, 93-88, at the Garden. "I think everything else will take care of itself. Carmelo has to be happy with whatever decision he makes, whether he stays in Denver or if he's traded. Hopefully, he can be happy. When you're happy, the game of basketball takes care of itself."

When asked if he'd like to see Anthony in New York, James was noncommittal. "I'm not one to say where I would like to see him," he said. "I'd like to see him happy. And if that's Denver, if that's being in New York, New Jersey, all the speculation. I'm not a speculation guy.''

It was James who planted the seed in Anthony's ear about teaming with Amar'e Stoudemire - at Anthony's July wedding, no less. "If you want any chance against us in Miami, you'd better team up with in New York," James told Anthony, according to a recent interview Anthony gave to SI.com.

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Turner apologizes. Turner Sports apologized Thursday night for a lewd comment directed at former Alaska governor Sarah Palin by comedian Tracy Morgan on TNT's pregame show from the Garden.

"It's unfortunate Mr. Morgan showed a lack of judgment on our air with his inappropriate comments," a network spokesman said. "We apologize for any embarrassment or offense it may have caused."

Morgan said Palin would make "good material."