LeBron vs. Kobe finals, D.C. writer predicts

Michael Wilbon doesn't have to deal with Cleveland fans' native pessimism, like Terry Pluto does. The Washington Post columnist can call it like he sees it. So today, as the NBA playoffs begin, he makes this prediction: LeBron vs. Kobe in the finals.

He writes:

If the Cavaliers are as motivated to win as they claim to be, they'll take out the Chicago Bulls (tougher than nails but not talented enough yet) in no more than four games, then Miami (which will upset the Celtics) in five, and get ready to visit revenge on Orlando.

Wilbon predicts the Cavs will take Orlando in five(!), with Shaq and Antwan Jamison as deciding factors. He even seems to slightly favor LeBron & Co. over L.A.:

[The Lakers will] try to defend their championship against a Cleveland team that's no better in terms of talent, but deeper and fresher and -- in the case of LeBron James -- hellishly determined to take his place for the first time, but not the last, in the winner's circle.

Clevelanders will believe it when they see it, right? No one wants to get burned by believing too soon. So the town will stay cool and cautious and notably unexcited until the Cavs take a third-round lead. But it's good to see that an unbiased eye thinks it's OK for us to get excited now.

Dan's the Man

Cleveland Magazine editor Steve Gleydura sat down with Dan Gilbert to talk Cavs, casinos and more during today's Corporate Club luncheon at Executive Caterers at Landerhaven. Gilbert, who explained his team's approach to everything from crafting a casino proposal to expanding the Cavs marketing potential in China, had the crowd laughing and learning from his experiences. Here's a few highlights:

On yesterday's trade for Antawn Jamison:
"Trading rumors are almost completely true."

On the controversy of removing water fountains from the Q:
"Bottled water sales are up. Without sales of bottle water, trades like this don't happen."
(Note: Gilbert drink of choice throughout the event? A bottle of water.)

"We are feeling better about our overall water policy at this point."

On the casino:
"We hope to have a shovel in the ground this calendar year. By 2013 we could be up and running."

On the negative comments about him during the casino campaign:
"Three things always come out: the sun, the moon and the truth."

On winning an NBA championship:
"Basketball at the end of the day is a ball and that ball can bounce the wrong way."

"All that we can do as an organization is put people in the right places."

"When you have LeBron James, Shaq and Antawn things look pretty good."

On doing whatever he can to keep LeBron in Cleveland:
"We are doing everything we can to make our organization great regardless of who's here. LeBron will be attracted to it. Period."