NBA players going on tour for charity

NEW YORK, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Locked-out NBA players, led by LeBron James, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony, will play four games on an exhibition tour to raise money for charity.

The New York Daily News reported Monday the NBA players' "Homecoming Tour" will start Dec. 1 in James' hometown of Akron, Ohio. They also will play Dec. 4 in New Orleans where Paul played for the Hornets, Dec. 7 in Wade's hometown of Chicago and Dec. 10 in East Rutherford, N.J., with New York native Anthony playing host.

"I am so excited to have this opportunity to participate in this tour," Anthony said in a statement. "To couple two of the things I love to do -- play basketball and give back -- is special. This is just the beginning of a movement to facilitate change in our communities and I am happy to be a part of a group of guys willing to lead the charge."

The Daily News said Miami's Chris Bosh also is expected to play in the four games. The rest of the rosters had yet to be determined, with the lineups expected to "change considerably" from city to city, organizers told the newspaper.

Proceeds from the tour, being sponsored by Google Plus, will go to the four headlining players' charitable foundations.

The NBA has canceled all games through Dec. 15 because the owners and players' union have failed to reach agreement on a new labor contract. No talks are scheduled.