James is a king, but not the king.

LeBron James mentions God a lot. "God will lead me in the best direction, and I will follow his footsteps," he told reporters two months ago. He spoke to them after an all-star game for high school children. As to which NBA team would be at the end of the path marked by God's footsteps, James said, "It would be great to stay at home, but only God knows where I'll wind up."

God, and maybe David Stern?

Or God and Gordon Gund?

Conspiracy theorists examine each year's NBA lottery system for signs of manipulation. The theorists begin with the idea that the NBA cares about marketing first and competition later, so whatever helps the major markets, the NBA arranges. How remarkable--remarkable--that in Michael Jordan's first draft as the Wizards' boss, he wound up with the No. 1 pick. Theorists believed they heard Stern whisper into M.J.'s ear, "Thanks for coming back. Now, are we even?"

Yes, the Cavaliers were so dreadful this season that they shared with the Nuggets the league's worst record. Yes, the worst team ought to get the draft's first pick. Yes, the lottery system is weighted to make that more likely to happen.

Still.

LeBron James, a Cavalier?