While LeBron James continues to mull offers from a litany of NBA franchises, his initial meeting with Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov and Jay-Z was said to be far superior to a chat with the Knicks’ trio of James D’ohlan, Donnie Walsh and Mike D’Antoni. If you’re wondering what sort of presentation the Nets could mount that would rival the glitz and glamor of Broadway, perhaps Prokhorov revealed his inside knowledge that James wouldn’t be the only global icon plying his trade in Newark. On Friday, the Atlantic League’s Newark Bears confirmed the acquisition of former Rays/Nationals OF Elijah Dukes (above), a transaction that should ease James’ mind if he’s afraid of shouldering the entire burden of the city’s hopes and dreams. In fact, with a Bears roster including some of the game’s most beloved and respected players (and Scott Spiezio!), it’s entirely possible The Chosen One’s arrival will be greeted with a huge collective shrug. Talk all you want about Akron being a comfort zone, but chances are, Newark can measure up in every relevant respect.