LeBron has good excuse for missing Starz comedy panel

BEVERLY HILLS – LeBron James didn't attend a panel presentation Friday for Starz' Survivor's Remorse, but he definitely wasn't forgotten.

The NBA star, who made big news earlier in the day with his decision to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, is an executive producer of the six-episode comedy (Oct. 4 premiere), which looks at the ways a multi-million-dollar contract affects the lives of a pro basketball star and his family.

Executive producer Maverick Carter, James' friend and business associate, joked when asked about the former Miami Heat star's noticeable absence.

"Up until today, he was unemployed. He may be in the H.R. office going through the paperwork for his new job, getting a physical. LeBron has been very busy with his job, in the playoffs, then going through free agent things," he said.

On a more serious note, he added: "For obvious reasons, he's not here. ... He got a new job today. He's with his family, getting prepared. You have to get a physical. … The new team sends doctors to check you out."

Executive producers, including Carter, writer and actor Mike O'Malley and Boston Red Sox chairman and Cosby Show producer Tom Werner, emphasized that Remorse is not James' story, but rather a fictional one.

The series follows Cam Calloway (Jessie T. Usher), a pro player thrown into the limelight when he signs a new contract with a team in Atlanta. Cam, joined by his cousin Reggie Vaughn (RonReaco Lee) and other family members, moves to Georgia to take in newfound fame and fortune.

O'Malley, who wants to show the off-camera life of a star, describes Cam, who comes from the Dorchester section of Boston, as "a very generous, heartfelt guy" who has to deal with the needs and demands of those around him.

"It's really about this family and how they stick together and go through these new experiences. (Some are) sincere and heartfelt. Other aspects are comedic and exaggerated," he said.

Usher said producers first focused on his acting skills during the casting process. "Then they said, 'Do you play ball?' 'Yes, I do.' " Asked if he would like to play against James, Usher said, "I would love to go against LeBron."

Tichina Arnold, who plays Cam's mother, offered some maternal advice: "No, you don't."