Return of the King: LeBron starts Season 3

31 points. First 6 treys were money. 7-of-8 from the line. A pair of steals. Better than 33 minutes played. Not a bad way to start a junior campaign.

LeBron James put on a masterful performance, which, after two full seasons, still doesn't fail to leave my jaw on the floor. And it's not that he's above the rim, 540-turning, triple-pumping either...he's good for the NBA Video highlight reel, but he's so damn fundamentally sound. He's made watching pro hoops fun again.

And he's a pro in the truest sense of the word, displaying confidence without arrogance. His game isn't degraded by his elevated belief in himself. He's media savvy - friendly and accomodating in interviews and always crediting his teammates and coaches for his maturation. And when describing his role his constant is "to make my teammates better". It's the type of personality so lacking in athletics today.

That gets me thinking: has it been that long since we all caught those games on ESPN where "23", a man among boys, was destroying people at St. Vincent-St. Mary?

As I watched in eager anticipation of the Cavaliers' season debut at home against the Hornets (the latter listed as "NOK" which I'm assuming means New Orleans-Oklahoma City), I reflected on the day when King James laced 'em up for the first time as a pro in Arco against the Kings. His line - 25 points, 9 assists, 6 boards, 4 steals, 12-20 from the field - was impressive but didn't do justice to what he did for Cleveland, the League, or baskeball. He arrived.

My co-workers and I all watched, cheering, ooing and awwing and as if it were the damn Super Bowl. He put on a helluva show: taking guys off the dribble, passing, scoring, playing defense, leading. Health permitting, he'll get his first of what should be several MVPs this year. I see the Cavs making it to the second round of the playoffs, but not any farther.

And it'll be fun to watch.