In a lather, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert calls and tells me to get online and click the link he just sent. I do so and listen as he says, \u201cWho the hell\u2019s that little dude standing next to Joel Embid after the game? Looks like he\u2019s smiling up at his hero. And check out poor Ben Simmons being bear hugged by a guy squeezing too hard. Who\u2019d do that on an NBA court? Good heavens, Doctor, the hyper fellow in each image is LeBron James. And let me read you part of his tweet that came a little later: \u2018I told y\u2019all a while back that my young King was next in line!\u2026 Tonight another example of that\u2026 Remember lil bro\u2019 settle for nothing less than GREATNESS.\u2019<\/p>\n
\u201cDid you watch the game?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d I say, \u201cmost enjoyable.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you insane? The Philadelphia 76ers beat us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOne team loses every game, Dan. Let\u2019s look at the box score. Embid scored seventeen points, grabbed fourteen rebounds, and assisted six times, an amazing display of versatility for a man more than seven-feet tall and who weighs at least two-eighty. And LeBron\u2019s young King, a point guard tall as many centers, had eighteen points and nine rebounds while assisting eight times and stealing twice and blocking one shot. Those two studs are historically relevant.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s why LeBron\u2019s scared of them.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think he\u2019s scared,” I say. “He really was marvelous tonight, totaling thirty points, nine rebounds, and eight assists.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI order you to talk to him, counsel him, medicate him, whatever\u2019s necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNecessary to do what?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTo make him quit acting like a kid in the presence of two towering Santa Clauses.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m going to have to overrule you, Dan.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen I\u2019ll fire you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGo ahead. My medical integrity isn\u2019t for sale.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can see what\u2019s going to happen, can\u2019t you?\u201d he asks<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen?\u201d<\/p>\n
“Next season.\u201d<\/p>\n
Extending an upturned palm I wish Dan could see, I say, \u201cIt appears that King James will join the big young King and the colossal center in the City of Brotherly Love.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s why you must medicate him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIn my judgment, he doesn\u2019t need medication, but you do.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease hurry,\u201d he says. <\/p>\n