A few of LeBron James' closest friends claim that the Knicks are the early favorites to sign the forward in the summer of 2010.

William Wesley is a close friend and adviser to James, and is regarded as a powerful insider among the NBA's top players and executives.

When asked during Wednesday's Knicks-Pistons game if he feels the Knicks are the favorite to sign LeBron, Wesley said: "Barack Obama could use Donnie Walsh to clear salary-cap space for the country."