‘Obsessed’ King desperate for one more title

If this is LeBron James’ last year in Cleveland — and by many accounts it is — it sounds as if the King is desperate for his kingdom to taste champagne one more time. As impossible as that now seems. On the morning after the trade that transformed the Eastern Conference, Kyrie Irving taking his handles to Boston in a blockbuster deal that sent, among others, Isaiah Thomas to Cleveland, James’ camp is beginning the spin that James is on a mission.

According to ESPN, two people who have seen LeBron work out in the past couple of weeks have described him as “obsessed.” For a player whose work ethic already is legendary, he wants you to know he somehow is escalating his focus.

James brought a title to Cleveland two years ago, finally quenching the thirst of his hometown team, but he had Irving (and his 3point touch) to share the load. Without his favorite wingman, now replaced by the impressive but inferior Thomas, the challenge for James to unseat the Warriors only becomes more unlikely.

If James’ associates are trying to create the old-western, meversus-them narrative, LeBron is much happier and friendlier in a public forum even though he reportedly is the reason for Irving’s early exit. After news spread of the trade — a stunner, even if Irving wanted out of Cleveland — James took the high road.

A fan posted a video featuring an Irving Cavaliers jersey — is he going to set it ablaze? — but instead placed a note atop it reading, “Thank U so much.” James endorsed the message.

“That’s the only way to be to the kid!” he wrote Tuesday night. “Special talent/guy! Nothing but respect and what a ride it was our 3 years together Young Gode #Filayy.”