Yao open to becoming Cavaliers' 'x-factor'

Houston Rockets' center Yao Ming has spoken for the first time about his highly anticipated move to the Cleveland Cavaliers as an "x-factor" after Chinese businessman Huang Jianhua's purchase of a minority stake in the franchise last month sparked the rumors.

"It's (joining Cavaliers) still unknown," said the NBA all-star giant of his potential partnership with 2009 NBA MVP Lebron James during an interview with Shanghai TV. "Whether he is Chinese (Huang Jianhua) or foreign (Rockets boss Leslie Alexander), they are just bosses."

Yao is maintaining his faith in the Rockets, who for the first time in six years advanced to the second round of the Western Conference playoffs before losing to eventual champions Lakers in the conference semis.