Courtside view of LeBron

He has the hype and the hoops. But he still needs to practice and perform.

The Cleveland Cavaliers paraded LeBron James in a doubleheader opening against the Los Angeles Clippers last Friday at the Staples Center. It was an afternoon game. Understandably, not many were keen on cutting work or class. Or so it seemed. By 5 p.m., the trickle turned into a stream. Basketball fans showed up to find out what the hype was all about.

He made his biggest impact in high school athletics by arguably, single-handedly giving ESPN a reason to televise some high school games on a national scale, a first in basketball coverage history.

Those who couldn’t get enough trooped to the 5,900-seat Rhodes Arena at the University of Akron, Ohio where St. Vincent-St. Mary Irish games were moved to accommodate an average of 4,500 fans who didn’t mind paying double the price of a regular ticket. This attendance is actually twice the college team.

Autographed copies of his Sports Illustrated cover headlined "The Chosen One" sold for more than $200 (P11,000) on eBay, an online auction site.

And his market value only doubled when he jumped to the NBA straight out of high school, following the likes of Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant, Minnesota power forward Kevin Garnett and Orlando Magic Tracy McGrady who visited the PBA a few years back. Most recent addition to this list are Kwame Brown and Tyson Chandler, the first two picks in the 2002 NBA draft.

It didn’t take a crystal ball to foretell that James was going to be the first over-all pick in the 2003 NBA draft. There were even rumors before that the Cavaliers were purposely losing their games to up their chances of getting the basketball sensation from Ohio.

Only last May, he signed a $90-M contract with Nike, a first for an NBA rookie.

Obviously, not a few are seeing his potential for stardom. Let’s start with the obvious. I was five rows behind the bench. James stood on the court like an average NBA star, all of his 6 feet, 8 inches and 240lbs. He has the NBA build . . . and still growing. He still has room for physical growth although he has managed to develop great strength at 18. But his size is only half of the total package.

His exemplary point guard talent is the other. He has the speed and quickness of a guard, as well as impressive passing ability. He has size and skills, a rare combination reminiscent of Magic Johnson. The former Lakers hero was also present at the Staples. The Lakers were to play the Phoenix Suns for the second game.

James alternated between the 2 and 3 positions although for a short period, he played the point. With his passing skills, he would be a lot more effective as a point guard, creating plays for his teammates. However, the scorer in him may not be brought to full potential this way.

What I saw was not even half the hype. Although he made a few baskets during the game, Clippers fans took advantage of the opportunity to "boo" the Cavalier rookie. He shot an air ball during the third quarter when his team was down 87-84. It wasn’t his first air ball in the prestigious league of basketball stars. In his debut in Boston against the Celtics, his first shot also failed to hit the mark, not the net or the ring.

Where does the incredible hype figure in his playing scheme? How can he stay focused on improving his game?

This early, experts and fans have expressed concern over James’ shooting ability. He is shooting a mere 29.8% from the field. Teammates have reportedly given him advice on how to improve his jumper.

People who followed his career through high school believe that James is a player who will only bring out his A-performance during real games.

Nonetheless, the world will continue to watch closely; judging his every move; measuring his skills and determining once and for all, if indeed, he is worthy of the publicity, the attention and the money.

You may reach this writer at www.jannelleso.com, or through text. For Globe subscribers, key in <JANNELLE> send to 2978.

Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King press conference on SO GOES, this Friday in the Young Star section.