NBA stars set forth on Homecoming Tour

James,Paul,Wade and Anthony are committed to play in all four games of the tour,which was announced early Monday. Proceeds from the tour — which will include events such as food drives,educational outreach programs and clinics in each city— will benefit the four headlining players’ charitable foundations. “It’ll be very neat,’’ Wade said. “First of all,this is something we talked about doing a long time ago as players. To have an opportunity to go to these different cities that we’re from,to bring basketball to them at a high level and also have a charitable component in each city and to be with the guys,it’ll be cool. It’s something we’re looking forward to.’’

The rosters for the four games will likely change considerably in each city. James will play a significant role in organizing the Akron game,as will Paul in New Orleans,Wade in Chicago and Anthony at East Rutherford.

There’s been no shortage of exhibitions featuring NBA players during the lockout,which is now in its 21st week and has already led to the cancellation of more than 300 games — roughly one-quarter of a full season.

The principals involved in this say the tour will be different from most offseason exhibitions in many ways,notably the extensive charitable aspects.

Wade said another element he’s looking forward to is simply being around NBA players on a full-time basis again,if only for a couple of weeks. While he remains hopeful that much of the season can be saved,he’s also not necessarily optimistic that he’ll be back in a Heat uniform again and trying for another NBA finals trip anytime soon.

“We’re approaching it as basketball,’’ Wade said. “We’re not doing it so people don’t forget our names. We’re really doing this to show that we love this game,we’re going to continue to play it and that this is something we all decided to do together. So that’s what makes this special.’’