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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 11: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the basketball against Luol Deng #9 of the Miami Heat during a game at the HSBC Arena as a part of NBA Global Games on October 11, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

So the NBA looks to be preparing itself for the largest ever salary cap for the 2016-17 season and LeBron James, one of those who could benefit from that is leading the Cavs to their expected Playoff spot after a slow start. He’s not doing too badly, is he?

JAMES PLAYS WITHOUT HEADBAND, DROPS 28

LeBron James dropped 28 points in their win over Dallas Mavericks, but funnily enough, the focus was shifted away from his scoring and locked in on his headgear.

For the first time since his rookie year, The King did not don a headband.

Via ESPN:

The night started off aesthetically disorienting. LeBron James took the court for tipoff without a headband for the first time in more than a decade — since a preseason game against Detroit in his rookie season, to be precise. The night ended with the Cleveland Cavaliers, as a whole, having the familiar look of a James-led championship contender. 

The regular season will be over before we know it, and Tuesday’s 127-94 shellacking of the Dallas Mavericks by the Cavs was as good an indicator as any that this team is ready for the playoffs. 

JIMMY BUTLER NODS HIS HEAD TO TAYLOR SWIFT

We hear that the majority of NBA players listen to Jay-Z, Drake, J-Cole but Jimmy Butler doesn’t do that.

Via Pro Basketball Talk:

“I get my own playlist in warmups sometimes,” Butler told ProBasketballTalk. “My teammates don’t like it very much because it’s country music, but they get over it.”

Country? Yes. Starting with Taylor Swift.

“I like Taylor Swift,” Butler said. “I like music as a whole, but her music is kinda catchy. I’m sure she’ll hear this interview now and be like ‘what’s going on?’”

So what’s on his playlist?

“I like country music. I listen to a little hip-hop,” Butler told us. “But I try to listen to people I’ve gained relationships with over the years, so whether it’s Ludacris or Lee Brice or Jason Aldean, whoever it is I try to support them just like they support me.”

DRAYMOND GREEN CALLS DOC RIVERS “GLENN”

Dear, God,

Please hear our prayer. Please make sure that the Warriors and the Clippers meet in the Playoffs. For the good of basketball.

Amen.

Anyway, Clippers head coach Doc Rivers dripped with sarcasm and condescension when reacting to Dahntay Jones’ $10K fine for bumping Draymond Green.

The Golden State Warriors forward fired back Tuesday, dismissing Rivers by calling him “Glenn” (his given and rarely used name.)

Via the Contra Costa Times:

“I guess that tough guy in Golden State, the bump was too hard for him, clearly, the way he reacted,” Rivers told reporters Monday. “My goodness. I thought the guy was tough.”Green, appearing Tuesday on KNBR, was played those comments and responded. […] “Cool story, Glenn,” Green said, using Rivers’ given name. “Very cool story, Glenn. I’m done with that situation. We crossed 50 wins last night. In 62 games, that’s an incredible mark.”

Asked if he approved of Jones’ fine, Green said, “Yeah, that’s a cool story too. I guess he got what he wanted out of the situation. I’m enjoying this season. It’s a great season and we’re doing great things and we plan on continuing to do great things.”