The hype. The hype is here.

By now you all know that LeBron is a new breed of NBA superstar - bigger, faster, stronger, smilier - and that the NBA Finals start tomorrow. Supposedly, LeBron's Cavs have no chance against Tim Duncan's Spurs. These people who think this are probably right, but we say the NBA needs another Spurs championship like Marv Albert needs to leave more teethmarks. In short, no one benefits from another San Antonio title outside the city of San Antonio. Cleveland isn't a sexy team. Outside of LeBron, none of their players are remotely interesting.

But this is LeBron. Just as last year was D-Wade's ascension into Jordan territory - if only for a six-game series - this year is LeBron's turn at the top. We're not counting out the Cavs, not one bit. Sure, Duncan will destroy the Cavs inside and Parker will drive the Cavs guards batshit - hell, even Ginobli will eat their hearts - but this is meant to be. The only thing we can't understand is why LeBron is suddenly being touted as better than Jordan simply because he could win a title in his fourth year.

This is just a sampling of the spooge being spilled over LeBron today:

In short LeBron has now - and only now - earned his coronation as one of basketball's masters. [Bleacher Report]

James is so clearly the best basketball player in the world, the only argument up for discussion is whether he's the best basketball player ever. [CBS News]

LeBron James is right on the cusp of becoming the face of professional basketball in a way that nobody has been since Michael Jordan first blew town. [Slate]

He took The Cavaliers, put them on his slightly broader than my shoulders and scored 29 of their last 30 points as if to say, "I'm here. Fret and fear not. I will lead you. I will conquer and you will benefit." [Sporting News]

Kind of insane, no? To be fair, there are several writers - media and bloggers alike - who are aghast at the Jordan/LeBron comparisons. We tend to side with the latter in the argument. We don't think it's a matter of whether or not LeBron is the next Jordan. That matter has already been decided. LeBron isn't the superstar that will carry the NBA into its next generation. That player already has a title - and his name is Dwyane Wade.