Cleveland ? For the first two games of the Eastern Conference finals, no one was quite sure what LeBron James was doing, shooting or passing. It has been the same with USA Basketball.

During the season James said he was “50-50” about playing this summer. But there was a recent item in a Cleveland-area paper that said James, with a second child due in June, is planning a long vacation with his old high school pals and isn’t likely to play for the USA this summer in Olympic qualifying.

Team Chairman Jerry Colangelo has been emphasizing a three-year commitment for all players, but eased up somewhat in announcing additions to the roster last week that included former Bull Tyson Chandler and former Illini Deron Williams. Kirk Hinrich is already on the list.

But the feeling inside and around the U.S. team is that no one – except for his sponsor, Nike – would be too unhappy if James doesn’t compete this summer, or even in the 2008 Olympics. His game hasn’t been a good fit for international competition or with the USA team, and it might be better off without him.

No one wants to say it publicly, and no one disputes that James is a top talent, but there wouldn’t be any great sadness if James decides to stay home in 2008. There were some minor attitude issues, and one famous scene last summer in which Bruce Bowen, who is dropping out of contention for the team, openly lectured James about treating administrative staff members with respect.

James, team insiders said, had a habit of ordering people around without ever learning their names.

The bigger issue for the USA Basketball staff is James’ fit as a player. He doesn’t shoot particularly well, but he liked to keep the ball glued to his hand in last year’s world championships. He is a willing passer and really was at his best when playing point guard toward the end of the tournament.

But Chauncey Billups and Jason Kidd will play this summer, and both are far better floor leaders than James. And with a terrific playoff run, Deron Williams is dribbling his way into that crowd. They all are better than James at running a team.

Also, coaches worried about James’ ego and view of himself within the team. They found too often when he wasn’t getting his points, he’d try hard late in games to get numbers, apparently so he wouldn’t have to answer questions about poor statistical games.

There also was some discomfort about internal jealousies.

“We’re not sure how all this will work out,” one team insider said.

Because of injuries, Wade, Lamar Odom, Paul Pierce, Chris Paul, Joe Johnson and Brad Miller will not compete this summer, necessitating additions, including Mike Miller, Tayshaun Prince, Carlos Boozer, Greg Oden and Kevin Durant, as well as Chandler, Williams and Kobe Bryant.

The Bulls’ Hinrich and Houston’s Shane Battier have excellent chances to stick as role players, especially by playing all three summers. Attendance does count. Amare Stoudemire is committed this summer after being hurt last year, and insiders say the staff was very impressed with Anthony.