Cavs fans, we’re in the early stages of what should be a lengthy playoff run, so it probably isn’t good form to speculate on the future of one LeBron James.

That’s not what I’m going to do. No plea for him to stay and no chest-thumping proclamation that the Chosen One will definitely remain in Northeast Ohio.

But you better believe I’m going to admonish, mock and ridicule those from other locations who have no problems publicly pining for and daydreaming about the day when James comes to their town.

However, New York, whose Knicks have sold their fanbase on a losing culture solely to clear cap space for a mere chance at signing LeBron, has become far too easy a target. Same goes for their soon-to-be neighbors, the New Jersey Nets, who boast some young talent and the MVP’s friend, Jay-Z, to compliment a horrendous 12-70 campaign this season.

Instead, I need to look no further than the Cavs current opponent, the Chicago Bulls. Not because their center Joakim Noah dissed the hometown, but because a major Chicago publication recently issued this love letter of an attempt to acquire the King’s services, as the Bulls also have some cap space to play with this summer. Is an eight seed so bad that Chicagoans need to focus this much on the future?

I’m sure Noah, Derrick Rose and the guys love all this gushing over their playoff nemesis, too.

Pitching the James Hotel to LeBron? Playing up the Michael Jordan statue or the chance to reside near President Barack Obama’s neighborhood? Using MacArthurs fried freakin’ chicken to entice him?? This is pure comedy.

Now, I’m sure people in the ‘Go are saying the same thing about the billboards around these parts or even our own, “Don’t Let LeBron Leave” campaign. Fair enough, but a lot of that is rooted in the hometown angle and the fact that he currently plays here.

We all know James is eating this attention up, and who knows, maybe he will follow in MJ’s steps and don the red and black. If he doesn’t? This will simply be remembered as one of several silly attempts at luring the face of the NBA out of C-town.

-- Brandon C. Baker

Photo: Maribeth Joeright