LeBron, Carmelo, Big Papi, and random observations on the wonderful world of sports

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---Kobe who? After LeBron's spectacular shot to win Game 2, one of the most clutch shots in playoff history, there is absolutely no debate: King James is far and away the best player on the planet.

---I can't wait to hear what LeBron-hater Skip Bayless has to say now.

---LeBron's buzzer-beater, made despite terrific defense by Hedo Turkoglu, saved the Cavs' season. If he missed that shot, Cleveland would be faced with an 0-2 deficit on their way to Orlando, giving the Magic enormous confidence and momentum.

---Cleveland has the momentum, but Orlando should still feel good about the way they played in the first two games. Stan Van Gundy's team did what they needed to do and earned a split in Cleveland. The Cavs are going to need to play much better basketball if they plan to win at Amway Arena. Ultimately, I think the Cavs will win the series, but the Magic will continue to give the Cavs all that they can handle.

---Memo to Dwight Howard: We know that you are a freakish athlete, but please, do you really find it necessary to where tank tops that are five sizes too small just to show off your physique?

---The Nuggets are in fantastic shape heading into tonight's Game 3 in Denver. After a heartbreaking loss in Game 1 in which the Nuggets collapsed down the stretch, they showed tremendous resiliency to win Game 2. Sorry Lakers nation, but your team is in trouble.

---I have always thought of Carmelo Anthony as an excellent player, but during these playoffs he has emerged as a star. Sorry Number 24, but the best scorer in this Nuggets-Lakers series is Melo.

---George Karl is doing a great job, but I do have one complaint. Why in the hell does he start the thoroughly mediocre Dahntay Jones on Kobe Bryant? I sincerely hope that Jones proves me wrong in Game 3, but as of this writing, I am not a fan. Seriously, Larry King could have played better D on Kobe. After Gane 2, it is clear that Carmelo should guard Kobe.

---Unlike most people, I do not have a problem with Phil Jackson putting the ball in Derek Fisher's hands at the end of Game 2. Yes, Fisher was having a rough night, but he has been a brilliant clutch player throughout his career.

---These conference finals have been absolutely amazing. The games have been so exciting that even NHL commissioner Gary Bettman is watching the NBA instead of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

---David Ortiz finally hit his first home run of the year this past week, but Big Papi has not gotten out of the woods yet. He needs to perform at a consistent level before Terry Francona and the Red Sox get too excited.

---Big Papi's demise has been sad. David Ortiz is one of the most jovial, likable guys in all of sports. It's too bad that he is no longer an imposing hitter who makes pitchers quiver every time he steps to the plate. Ortiz was once a surefire Hall of Famer, but his Cooperstown fate is no longer secure. However, count me among those who is rooting hard for Ortiz to make a comeback. Unless you're a Yankee fan, you can't help but pull for Big Papi.

---Speaking of the Yankees, here they come. A-Rod is playing well, the pitching has improved, and Joe Girardi's team is finally playing with some swagger. With the way the Bronx Bombers are playing, fans would be flocking to Yankee Stadium to see the fighting pinstripes in action if only they could afford it. Yankees tickets are so expensive, Donald Trump is saving up enough cash so he can get a seat in the right field nosebleed section.

---I'll end this edition of Random Observations by making a desperate plea to my beloved San Francisco Giants: Please, SCORE SOME RUNS!!!!!!!!!!!