David Stern: the NBA commissioner says his league will be 'a light in the darkness'.(James Brown's Hang Time)(Interview)

JAMES BROWN: You've been recognized by the SPORTING NEWS as the fourth most powerful person in sports. When you think about being one of the most influential people in pro sports, has it really sunk in? Do you think about that at all?

DAVID STERN: I'm just trying to get through the day, and that's not just false modesty. It's a great game, and we've had some spectacular players, athletes and owners. Any time your commissioner is recognized in any way, shape or form, it really has to do with the many people that work in our industry.

On LeBron

J.B.: Let me take off my media hat and say I'm so pleased with the way LeBron James has handled the exceptional hype surrounding him. Are you optimistic this young man can grow with all this attention?

STERN: It's hard for any kid to deal with those kinds of pressures. He seems to be an awfully nice kid, he seems to be shouldering the responsibilities well, and he seems to be understanding that his game can speak a lot for itself. He hasn't disappointed us, and he's shown every indication that he's maturing on and off the court, so I'm very optimistic there.

On labor relations

J.B.: How would you characterize the NBA's working relationship with the labor union?