Chicago forward Charles Oakley, a free agent after the season, said three
weeks ago that the Cavaliers are one of four teams he would consider joining for next season. Oakley, who returned to his hometown for last night's game at Gund Arena, was wishy-washy when asked the possibilities of being a Cav next season. ``They've got to want me,'' said Oakley, who three weeks ago also had New York, Washington and the Lakers on his list. ``I'm not going to go where I'm not wanted.'' So does Cavs coach John Lucas want Oakley? ``I really like Oak,'' said Lucas, not answering the question directly. ``He's from Cleveland.'' Lucas said Oakley ``feels like he has another year in him.'' Oakley, who turned 38 yesterday and had a large bouquet of flowers waiting for him in the locker room, was noncommittal when asked how much longer he wants to play. Oakley often was wishy-washy in his interview. When asked about the feud he had with Cavs forward Tyrone Hill, who reportedly was late in paying a $50,000 gambling debt, Oakley said, ``That was last year.''
OAK LAUDS JAMES -- Oakley did elaborate when asked about LeBron James, the high school sensation from St. Vincent-St. Mary. Oakley played with James last summer in pickup games in Chicago. ``I think he's going to be good,'' Oakley said. ``He played good for a high-school player going from the 10th to the 11th grade. Not too many 10th graders play with pros.'' Asked to offer advice to James, Oakley said he ``has to believe in himself'' and surround himself with ``good role models.''

EXTRA WORK FOR Z -- It was a long day of basketball for Cavs center Zydrunas Ilgauskas. After coming off two subpar games, Lucas had him show up yesterday at Gund Arena at 8:30 a.m. for individual shooting drills. He then participated in the team's shoot-around at 10 a.m. and, of course, played in last night's game. During the individual drills, Ilgauskas had to make 500 shots, using a ball machine. He did it in 35 minutes. ``It was from different positions,'' Lucas said. ``He shoots well.'' Last night's game was Ilgauskas' seventh after he missed the first 17 while recovering from foot surgery. Lucas said it was ``my fault'' that he stopped doing extra work with Ilgauskas after he was activated from the injured list.