Jay-Z: Mikhail Can Handle LeBron

At his brunch with reporters last month, Mikhail Prokhorov said he didn't envision Jay-Z playing a big role in recruiting free agents, like LeBron James, to the Nets.  "I think it’s more than enough that he is very passionate with the team," said the new owner. "I think it’s management job to look for free agents, and with agents, it’s a professional job. But of course Jay-Z’s passion is an additional advertisement for the team."

Now in an interview with Rolling Stone, Jay-Z says that with LeBron, it's more about friendship than winning.  "That's his decision," said the music mogul.  "We're friends - we've still gotta hang out! I don't want to convince somebody to do something, then have to see him and say, 'Uh, yeah, we're 4-30 ...sorry.'"  He agrees with Prokhorov on who should be doing the talking for the Nets, that the Russian is up to the task.

Jay-Z who will be in Europe during the first critical week of free agency has said he told Prokhorov he wants a more "active role" with the team and Prokhorov, in response, said he and Jay-Z are "soul mates".

• LeBron James coming to the New Jersey Nets? Jay-Z says he'll let the King decide for himself - Larry McShane - New York Daily News
• The LeBron rumor mill: Free-agent tidbits found on the trail of 'World Wide Wes' - Jody Valade - Cleveland Plain-Dealer
• Jay-Z surprised he`s not the biggest VIP - Gavin Wilson - Monsters and Critics
• Derek Jeter and Jay-Z say they won't recruit LeBron James to New York - Andrew Marchand - ESPN New York