From Russia Without LeBron

The Cavs would not have lost a preseason game to CSKA Moscow had LeBron James been on the floor, on the bench or maybe even just rooting for Cleveland from the stands. So, the anti-Witness himself, Comic Sans font, open-letter writer/owner Dan Gilbert, must have thrown a tantrum following a 90-87 "meaningless" loss to the Russian squad once owned by new Nyets owner Mikhail Prokhorov.

Granted, the Cavaliers were without four starters -- Antawn Jamison, Mo Williams, Anderson Varejao and Anthony Parker -- and were playing a CSKA club whose roster includes former Duke sharpshooter Trajan Langdon, Mississippi State combo-guard Jamont Gordon and Kansas big man Sasha Kaun. But still, I have to think that King James wouldn't have allowed his team to lose to a non-NBA lineup.

Meanwhile, the reigning Most Vilified Player who took his talents from Lake Erie to South Beach scored a preseason-high 33 points in 29 minutes against Michael Jordan's investment in Charlotte's second-chance franchise. The Heat lost to the Bobcats -- just like the Cavs lost to CSKA, right? -- but it appears to be business time for LBJ.

On the bright side for Cleveland, next year's draft could include Iowa native and UNC freshman small forward Harrison Barnes. If anyone will stay in Cleveland, it's a kid from Ames. On second thought, if a kid from Akron won't stay in Cleveland...