- The Washington Times - Friday, December 12, 2014

President Obama praised LeBron James on Friday for his social activism but predicted his hometown Chicago Bulls can beat the James-led Cleveland Cavaliers for the NBA Eastern Conference title this season.

In an interview with ESPN Radio, the president also said college football did the “right thing” by moving to a four-team playoff system, predicting that, eventually, eight teams will be in the mix.

He also predicted that it will take time for Mr. James to gel with his new Cavaliers teammates. Mr. James returned to Cleveland this season after four years with the Miami Heat, during which he won two NBA championships.

“I think the Bulls can beat the Cavs this year,” Mr. Obama said. “There’s something to be said for team chemistry.”

The president also sounded sympathetic to the plights of TCU and Baylor football. When the college football playoff was announced this week, both schools found themselves on the outside looking in as they were leapfrogged by Ohio State. The Buckeyes join Oregon, Alabama and Florida State in the inaugural playoff.

“It was the right thing to do,” Mr. Obama said of the playoff format. “I suspect it will end up being eight teams and that will be just about right. I’m just saying — then Baylor and TCU wouldn’t be as aggravated as they are.”

• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.

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