Article Launched: 06/14/2007 12:51:26 AM PDT


CLEVELAND—Maximus was the first name LeBron James wanted for his second son, a nod to the lead character in "Gladiator," his favorite movie.

But like Caesar, Mommy gave it a thumbs down.

"She didn't like it," James said Thursday night, shortly before Game 4 of the NBA finals. "So she settled for the middle."

James became a father for the second time early Thursday when his girlfriend, Savannah Brinson, gave birth to the couple's second son, Bryce Maximus James.

James was in the delivery room for the birth, a moment that made the Cleveland Cavaliers' 3-0 deficit to the San Antonio Spurs seem somewhat secondary.

"You put everything in perspective," he said. "This is definitely special for me, being a part of the NBA and being a part of the NBA finals. It's great. Win, lose or draw, this is special for my family, especially to have another James. It doesn't get any better than this."

The 22-year-old James didn't get much sleep, but was able to sneak in a nap before heading to Quicken Loans Arena for the game. He arrived at 6:13 p.m. and was greeted at the door by employees who offered congratulations on the birth.

Bryce, who weighed 8 pounds, 6 ounces and was 21 inches long, was born at 12:51 a.m. at Cuyahoga Falls General Hospital, near his father's hometown of Akron. Brinson had been due to deliver Sunday. James and his longtime girlfriend had their first child, LeBron James Jr., in October 2004.

James was asked


what kind of team he was assembling at home.

"Right now they look like two small, small forwards—kind of like Tayshaun Prince," he joked.

The Cavaliers are hoping the child's arrival is a good omen as they face a Spurs team on the brink of a fourth NBA title since 1999. No team in history has ever overcome an 0-3 deficit to win the championship.

"Maybe it means something," guard Larry Hughes said. "Bringing another life into the world will maybe give us life."

Although he didn't get much rest, James said he was ready to go.

"I didn't get the sleep that I wanted to, but that's not an excuse in a game where it's win or go home," he said.

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I MUST ADMIT I DON'T REALLY LIKE THE NAME MAXIMUS EITHER SO I DON'T BLAME SAVANNAH