Monday Afterschool Special: Big Three

Cleveland's stars comes through

The Cavaliers were perilously close to losing Game One of their first-round series against the Detroit Pistons last night at home. But their three stars — LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love — all came up with big games. Love, who averaged just 16 points during the regular season, had 28 points and 13 rebounds. James had a double double himself, with 22 points and 11 assists. And Irving lead the team in scoring with 31 points.

Rare photos of LeBron

With the news that Lebron James will star in a movie called "Ballers" with comedian Kevin Hart, here's a look at some great shots of the four-time MVP, 2012 <italics>Sports Illustrated</italics> Sportsman of the Year, and back-to-back Finals MVP, from his days as a mischievous little boy to now.

And so it begins....

A high-school aged LeBron poses during a <italics>Field of Dreams</italics>-inspired photo shoot.

James didn't always boast a 250-pound frame, but has always been an intimidating presence, having averaged 21 points per game as a freshman in high school.

Even in high school, James began channeling Michael Jordan, wearing No. 23 and modeling the jumpman pose.

St. Vincent-St. Mary games were often broadcast on national television and played in college arenas during James' time with the Irish. He never did play in a college game, though.

LeBron got to meet Michael Jordan while His Airness was still playing. Jordan had just finished playing against the Cavaliers in this picture.

LeBron led St. Vincent-St. Mary to three Ohio state championships, and finished his high school career with 2,657 points, 892 rebounds and 523 assists.

Despite all the fanfare and attention surrounding James in his high school years, the kid destined for stardom stayed hungry.

LeBron's younger brother, Frankie, accompanies LeBron at the 2003 NBA draft.

Because what else would James watch in his leisure time?

Don't we all wish we could be teenage superstars with a limo stocked with Tootsie Pops.

LeBron goes all "Cat in the Hat" while speaking to kids at a Cavaliers Read to Achieve event in 2003.

LeBron shows off his pearly whites during an NBA photo shoot in 2003.

LeBron celebrates his 21st birthday by sharing the mic with rapper Lil' Wayne.

James' kid-friendly image has been shaped by his life as a father. He has two children with his high school sweetheart Savannah Brinson -- LeBron Jr. and Bryce Maximus.

James was magical in his rookie season, racking up 25 points, nine assists, six rebounds and four steals in his first NBA game. He averaged more than 20 points per game and took home Rookie of the Year Honors in 2003-04.

LeBron is a student of the game but can't see himself becoming an NBA head coach. "Way too much pressure," he said.

LeBron James: MVP, All-Star, scoring champ and ... MC Hammer look-alike at the 2007 ESPYs.

Fans and experts alike wonder how good LeBron could have been as a pro football player, given his size and strength. He was an All-State wide receiver in high school, and even Packers president Mark Murphy has compared his skills to Jerry Rice's.

And if he decides to pull a Michael Jordan and try a career in baseball, it looks like LeBron may have a bright future in that, as well.

James, decked out in warm-ups of his high school alma mater, enjoys a chuckle with Jay-Z during the 2010 All-Star Weekend in Dallas.

LeBron entered the 2010 offseason as the most sought-after free agent on the market. After contemplating a future in New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Miami or a return to Cleveland, James chose to take his talents to South Beach where he could play with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

The Decision was met with animosity among NBA fans who felt James was taking the easy way out with the Heat.

Regardless of the ill will, James still makes time for his fans. In this photo, The King plays Connect Four with children from the Miami Rescue Mission.

When LeBron returned to Cleveland for his first game against the Cavs, fans readily expressed displeasure with their former hero.

James attends a fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida in February 2012.

James joins Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade at a Miami performing arts center to celebrate Bosh's 28th birthday in March 2012. No word on whether this newly formed band performed any songs for the audience.

James was sensational in the Finals against the Thunder in 2012, averaging 28.6 points, 10.2 rebounds and 7.4 assists en route to his first NBA title and his first Finals MVP.

LeBron greets First Lady Michelle Obama at the London Olympics.

LeBron enjoys some time at a club in London.

Two months after battling in the NBA Finals, James and Kevin Durant teamed up to win an Olympic gold medal.

LeBron helps plant a tree during the 2013 NBA Cares Day of Service at the LIVE Project in Houston.

Kinsler's heady play

In yesterday's 4–5 loss to the Houston Astros, Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler did something very clever. With Colby Rasmus on first and Tyler White hitting, Kinsler intentional missed a pop up, then threw to second base to get the faster Rasmus out and put White on base instead. The infield fly rule did not apply, as there was no batter on second base. So Kinsler merely made the smart choice of stranding the slower runner.

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