The Cavs provide hope

I know this is supposed to be music day, but I can't let yesterday's Cavs win go by without acknowledging it …

Some thoughts:

–All season long I've been wrestling with the idea that either the Cavs were lacking one small element this season, or they were simply not expending as much energy in this regular season as they did last. The latter seemed most likely. It's a veteran team and it learned last season that regular-season celebrations don't overshadow postseason disappointments.

So they Cavs have been giving effort this season, but not overdoing it or getting too caught up in the regular season. But … when the big games come they hone in their focus and concentration.

This seemed to be what happened Christmas Day in Los Angeles. They upped their focus, played well and — combined with the Lakers having a bit of a blasé attitude about the game — played much better.

The Cavs now have won in Orlando and Los Angeles, and they had an outstanding four-game holiday swing.

At this point, I think I'm abandoning 96 percent of doubt. Because the Cavs certainly seem to have what it takes to be among the elite.

They can play several different lineups — notice what Z and Shaq were able to do against the Lakers big guys when they were on the court together, and notice the damage some small lineups have done? — and they have LeBron James. The only concern — and this is miniscule — is that a team best be very aware of itself to be able to turn the switch on and off and make it work.

So far there's every reason to believe this will not be an issue.

So far there's every reason to believe this will be another fun April, May and June.

–Have to like how LeBron said the game was not really a message to the Lakers, but it was a message "to ourselves" about how good the Cavs could be.

James has that superstar's quality of condensing the issues and the elements of game to their essence.

Listen to him after a game and he always gets the key facts right.

–It was kind of entertaining to see the Lakers disintegrate in one game becuase of officials' calls, no?

–Bill Simmons, the Sports Guy on ESPN, wrote a lengthy tome last week about possible trading deadline moves. Many of his rumors and proposals included the Cavs trading Shaquille O'Neal.

Some of the deals might make sense. Antawn Jamison and Brendan Haywood and another player for Shaq's expiring contract?

Not too bad.

Adding Antawn Jamison to the Cavs would improve the team.

But then you watch Shaq against some matchups and you see why the Cavs acquired him. He was effective against Dwight Howard, and against the Lakers he had a very strong game.

And when you think of the playoffs you realize that's when he'll be needed more than ever.

Trade Shaq?

It would have to be one unbelievable offer.

–Here's one national view of the Cavs from ESPN's J.A. Adande, who writes: "It's time for Cleveland's team to be considered elite again."

Tagged as: Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal