LeBron James to 'The View': You're more beautiful than Orlando Magic

Hal Boedeker of the Orlando Sentinel watched The View this morning, and transcribed this bit, in which Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James explains his famous decision not to shake hands with the Orlando Magic once they eliminated his team in the Eastern Conference Finals:

Barbara Walters wanted to clear up one issue. "You came out and you shook hands with all of us," Walters told the Cleveland Cavaliers star. "You're such a nice gentleman. But you got a little bit of bad press during this year's playoffs because when your team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, lost to Orlando, you did not shake hands," Walters said, dragging out the word hands. "So some of the press said he's changed. Want to clear it up?"

James replied: "For one, the Orlando Magic is not as beautiful as you women are."

He's a charmer, folks.

BOBCATS: Bobcats unveil new jerseys

Orlando division-rival Charlotte unveiled its new uniforms today, and they look suspiciously like the ones the Magic started wearing last year. Click through for the Bobcats' press release and, of course, a look at both the home and away kits.

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then the Magic should feel honored. Pinstripes, a modern font, two-tone piping at the collar and down the sides... yeah, pardon me for not seeing any originality here.

Around the Association: 2009-2010 Orlando Magic - Are they Vinsane? You be the judge.

Golden State of Mind, SB Nation's Warriors blog, just posted its preview of the Magic's coming season.

Create A Caption #30 Winner

See who won our latest Create A Caption competition, which featured Dwight Howard and Derek Fisher taking in a WNBA playoff game.

UPDATE: Keith Bogans Will Sign With Spurs

Former Magic swingman Keith Bogans has agreed to sign with the San Antonio Spurs, ostensibly to replace Bruce Bowen, who retired after the Spurs traded him to Milwaukee in a package to receive Richard Jefferson.

UPDATE 2: Who Has The Best Defense?

Jeff Clark of CelticsBlog sizes up the best defenses in the NBA. Here's his assessment of the Magic:

Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard sets the tone here. He changes a lot more shots than he blocks and he blocks more than anyone. Pietrus is known for his defense and Nelson is no slouch. How much will they miss Hedo? Will Vince Carter buy in and knuckle down? Those question marks are enough to wonder if this team has taken a step back though I'm guessing Van Gundy won't let them fall too far back.

He believes the Celtics will have the league's best defense "by a hair," just beating out the Magic, the Cavs, and the Lakers.

UPDATE 3: NBA Power Rankings

Eric Pincus of HOOPSWORLD ranks the NBA's teams one week before training camp. He places Orlando third, just behind the Lakers and the Celtics.

The Magic have revamped with Hedo Turkoglu leaving for Toronto. Vince Carter may or may not be a better fit. If Jameer Nelson is healthy and back to All-Star form - and the Magic can get through the Rashard Lewis 10-game suspension without harm - they may actually be better than they were a year ago.