The LeBrons

Trenton, my nephew, told me earlier that he thinks the Lakers will win the NBA championship this year. A lot of other folks agree.

But, I watched today as the Cleveland LeBrons, I mean, the Cleveland Cavaliers, demolished Atlanta, 97-82, to take a 3-0 lead in their Eastern Conference semi-final series.

LeBron James put up 47 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and dished out 8 assists. He shot 15-25 from the field, including 5-10 from 3-point range, and hit 12 of 16 free throws.

The Cavs may not have any other superstars besides James, but they may not need 'em. They certainly put the clamps on the Hawks, holding them to less than 20 points in three of four quarters. Every time Atlanta made a run, the Cavs defense tightened up. The Hawks looked out-matched. They had no answer.

Cleveland has now won seven straight playoff games, each by double-digit margins. Roy S. Johnson blogs that The Cavs just may go for fo' fo' fo' this postseason, as Moses Malone predicted for the Sixers back in '83.

The Sixers went fo' five fo' en route to the title that year. The Cavs would actually have to play four playoff series, not three, but with the way they're looking right now, fo' fo' fo' fo' isn't out of the question.

Any arguments that the MVP award should have gone to Kobe Bryant or Dwyane Wade or Dwight Howard seem ridiculous now. There's never been anybody like LeBron. Powerful, great hops, nice passer, great in the open court. It's scary to imagine him playing on a team with other great players... What if he was playing for Boston this year? For the Lakers? Instant title.

The only question now is what happens when the Cavs run into a team that can actually play defense? The Hawks are clearly not that team. The Celtics might be, but Boston might not survive their series with Orlando. Will the Magic be up to the task? Will the Lakers? Or will Cleveland's role players be able to step up? Or... will they have to? Right now, the first order of business seems to be "Stop LeBron." I don't know if anyone can, but that's why they play the games.

Although the Lakers seem to be a lock to make the Western Conference Finals now that Houston's Yao Ming is out with a broken foot, they're not a sure thing for the NBA Finals. Denver leads Dallas 3-0 in their series, and the Lakers might have their hands full with the Nuggets. Chauncy Billups and Carmelo Anthony are playing better than ever, and the Lakers look vulnerable, especially with their weak bench. Denver has guys that can bang. Nene Hilario and Kenyon Martin might be enough to offset the Lakers' front line, and Denver should be able to score on them. It'll be an interesting series if these two teams meet, and that looks like it's a sure thing. I think the Lakers had better bring their "A" game.

If the Lakers and the Cavs meet in the Finals, the Cavs have the home-court advantage. That might be more important for Cleveland than for the Lakers. The Lakers have the edge when it comes to experience. But they may not have the edge when it comes to the hunger factor. And Andrew Bynum doesn't look like he's really back.

Could be Cleveland's year. Trent, watch out.