General: Sterno's Talkin' Smack -- Episode #69

Sterno's Talkin' Smack. No holding back here. It's all trash, all the time.

Today's edition of the show focuses on one man. That's right, the King of the castle this week, Lebron James.

Smack This: Those Who Don't Believe -- For those of you who sat in your chairs, remote in hand, watching the Sacramento Kings play the Cleveland Cavaliers, you learned the very same valuable lesson that I did. Lebron is no joke!

I was as much of a skeptic as anyone. To me, there was no way that this kid could be nearly as good now, as people thought he was. It was just a ploy to bring the NBA fans out from under their respective shells. It was all a media hoax. I said that this is what I had thought. Watching James play in his first NBA game, I knew that I was watching history. The more I watched, the more I knew what I saw.

I want you to understand that before I say this, I have not had one drink, used any kind of narcotics, or visiting any kind of psychologist. Lebron James will be better than Kobe Bryant. You heard what I said. This kid will one day be the best there is in the land. Not only that, but he is among the top talents in the NBA right now, and he is only 18 years old.

Let's talk about the kid's game. He put some moves on the Kings off the dribble that showed his quickness. He was able to take it to the hole and throw it down, showing the ability to fly through the air just like No. 23. (Well, not that well!)

James also was hitting a couple of jumpers that showed a little bit of his range. The only disappointing thing was that he didn't use all of that ability to drive to get to the foul line time and time again. Beyond all of that, Lebron even passed the ball. He didn't just pass. He passed often and was very creative in setting up his teammates.

Having said all of that, I was more impressed with his brain and his poise. When his team looked like it was going to get blown out, and all signs pointed to James trying to do too much, he simply settled down, backed it out, and set up his offense. When he committed a foul, he pointed at his chest. When his team needed some encouragement, he showed his emotion. When his team had lost, he showed his respect for the game.

At halftime, Lebron James was asked by Jim Gray if he thought that he would be able to help his team come back. Not only did he say they could, he was confident about it. I like what I see in this kid.

Misbelieving -- Smacked!!!

One For the Road: Grady is gone, Manny on waivers, and Boston fans are weeping once again. Finally, Jets fans have someone who feels their pain.

Hit me up with feedback at eSports (click the Write the Editor link) or on my homepage at http://www.suite101.com/myhome.cfm/theycallmethecloser. Come on and click that link already! You can't possibly agree with everything I say!

See ya' all next time folks! Until then, don't be the one who's smacked!