* First things first, I think LeBron deserved every ounce of criticism he received for not shaking hands with the Orlando Magic after the Eastern Conference Finals. The fact that he showed no remorse a day later only fanned the flames. Simply put, it was a very poor display of sportsmanship.

* I don’t know what role, if any, LeBron played in “dunkgate.” But given his carefully cultivated image, it’s easy for fans to picture him ordering Nike officials to swipe the tapes. At the very least, it’s within the realm of possibility.

* I don’t think you’re a “delusional Cavs fan.” I never said that. I just think you have a tendency to look at things through wine and gold lenses.

* From my understanding, the Cavaliers signed Varejao to a six-year contract that guarantees him $42.5 million plus incentives. I don’t know what the incentives are, or if the deal is front or back loaded, but it’s a little steep to me. Worst of all, the Cavs bid against themselves. I know Varejao was an unrestricted free agent, but Portland and Oklahoma City were the only teams with cap space, and neither franchise showed the slightest bit of interest, despite what Dan Fegan would like you to believe. Remember, David Lee and Paul Millsap were available as well.

* You wrote, “I’m not sure how this is news NOW since lots of teams do this and the Cavs have done it the last 3 years, as Skeets pointed out.” Lots of teams? Or just the Cavs, Blazers, and T-Wolves? Call me crazy, but I don’t think this was a business decision designed to cut costs. Cleveland has the sixth highest payroll in the league. I highly doubt Dan Gilbert is worried about printing/postage expense reports considering he spares no expense when it comes to nearly every other facet of his franchise.

I think the Cavs included Finals tickets with their season ticket packages because they expect to advance to the Finals, and they want to drum up excitement for the coming season. The idea in and of itself is not bad. Confidence is key. But the Cavaliers don’t exist in a vacuum.

Again, I think it’s a mistake because Cleveland and Orlando will use it as bulletin board material. Great players, and great teams feed off of this type of stuff.

The players/coaches have absolutely nothing to do ticket sales.

You’re right, I’m sure SVG will use something like this “fire up the troops”. Lots of teams do this every year, and in the case of the Cavs (who will sell out the reg season) it makes sense from a business standpoint. I’m not sure how this is news NOW since lots of teams do this and the Cavs have done it the last 3 years, as Skeets pointed out.

Brandon, I know you will tell me I’m just a delusional cleveland fan, but this summer I have felt like there has been a whole lot of negativity OUTSIDE of cleveland surrounding the Cavs.

Everyone made a big deal out of LeBron’s apparent “big ego” because he worse an MVP shirt and because he didn’t shake hands with reporters. Then there was this huge deal made out of Nike confiscating tapes. Danny Ferry was criticized for his Varejao deal because pretty much NO ONE (except J Hollinger) reported the fact that a lot of it wasn’t guaranteed money.

What’s your honest non-Laker fan opinion. Every time I go to any NBA topic on ESPN.com or Yahoo.com there are just hoards of people trashing LBJ and the Cavs. I don’t quite understand it, what’s your take?