Big ups to the Cavaliers, who came into New York and rode roughshod over it . . . you know, like Bloomberg.

As usual, the Knicks' sorry showing against the Cavs provokes the same old question:

Why would LeBron James want to join forces with this motley crew's skeleton remains (with apologies to Eddy Curry) if he's aiming for a championship bull's-eye?

Well, let's get two things straight at the top:

Foremost, one of LeBron closest confidants, in response to those who mocked my disclosure Cavs chairman Dan Gilbert is terrified his meal ticket will abscond should the team not win a title, declared to friends, "They (Dan and his entourage; young owners have them, too) better be scared!"

Secondly, the Knicks are not the lone team LeBron will consider when he becomes an unrestricted free agent come July 1. Despite people's sarcastic opinion of the Nyets, count on them being a real contender for his simonized services.

Clearly, the Newark, er, Brooklyn-bound franchise flaunts gobs more promising personnel than Camp Cablevision's varmints, many who must be renounced (David Lee, Al Harrington, Chris Duhon, Larry Hughes and Nate Robinson can kiss their 'Bird rights' bye-bye) in order to Make Room For Daddy.

What's more, according to someone in the know, LeBron is viewing the Bulls as a wild card challenger; no other suitor need apply.

That explains why rising restricted free agent Tyrus Thomas, who suffered a forearm fracture in the weight room Friday that required surgery (out six weeks minimum), wasn't given an extension. Chicago definitely believes it has a shot at luring LeBron. As talented as Thomas is, the Bulls secured two excellent rookie forwards -- Brooklyn's Taj Jami Gibson and James Johnson -- in the draft and figure to have roughly $20 million in cap room in case LeBron feels the urge to replicate Air Jordan's Windy City flight plan.

As for the Knicks, guaranteed I could find 11 above-average NBA players who'd love to play for the veteran's minimum or thereabouts (one would command a maximum mid-level exception contract) for the opportunity to suit up alongside LeBron in New York in year one. When Curry and Jared Jeffries come off the cap the summer of 2011, the Knicks would then be able to recruit another certified stud or two and actually be in possession of their own first round draft pick.

To those who don't believe one word of the above or that LeBron would never leave his home state of Ohio, I say, hide and watch.