AKRON, Ohio (AP) – LeBron James says he is so “optimistic” that the coming NBA season will be played that he is not considering any possible international options — except for the 2012 Olympics.

In an interview with The Associated Press, James says he is committed to helping the United States defend its gold medal at next summer’s London Games.

James has been working in Houston with Hakeem Olajuwon this offseason, and insists he will be “even better” this coming season for the Miami Heat, who lost in the NBA finals.

James was in his hometown Monday to open “Wheels for Education,” a program with State Farm to provide more than 300 third-graders from Akron Public Schools academic tools they need.

The program will follow those kids through high school.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)