UNMEDICATED LEBRON OPTIMISTIC ABOUT NBA SEASON

As the frequency of labor talks start to dwindle, not many around the Association have high hopes for a season, entire or partial.  The exception:  Lebron James.  Apparently the self-proclaimed chosen one has spent the first few months of the off-season with his head either in the South Beach sand, or somewhere close to his rectal cavity.  Unlike the ball in the last few minutes of a close 4th quarter, King James doesn't appear to share his optimism with other players.

"I don't know what everyone's worried about," the naively positive James begins, "season starts November 1st ya' know, and I plan on being there, no matter what happens."

It's the "no matter what happens" that has the basketball world confused, however.  With a handful of players flirting with the idea of getting some run in the overseas leagues, Lebron has somehow convinced himself that fans will not only flock to, but will legally be allowed entrance in arenas during a lockout to watch a 1-man shootaround.

"I really don't know what the big deal is," the 2-time MVP showing signs of agitation continues, "my image took a big hit last year, so all I'm tryin' a do is play ball, with or without my teammates."

It's statements like that that make it clear why James himself is not a player rep.  Nevertheless, some could mistake his ignorance for a shear passion for the game.  Of course, the majority feel that he's finally succumb to the powdery Miami lifestyle.  And the graduate of St. Vincent - St. Mary's high school certainly got on the defensive when it was speculated that he had.  "Are you kidding me!  Do I sound like I'm high?"  His attitude only got worse when someone suggested that he sounded uneducated.  "Ya' know what, I challenge any one a y'all to a game of 1-on-1.  Show you how smart I am."

Along with his abrupt departure, Lebron found himself answering one more question about the possibility of his playing in Europe next year.  "Would I consider it?  Nah man, I don't even know what country Europe's in."