So now we understand a little.

LeBron James can play. He can really play.

He swiveled and contorted his body on one astonishing reverse. He whisked passes by defenders' ears and into teammates' hands. He dunked and made himself look all tough afterward, kind of like how Tracy McGrady does.

James, the ballyhooed prep star, glided to the hoop and the hoopla at TD Waterhouse Centre on Tuesday night. He was impressive. An announced summer-league crowd of 15,123 buzzed a little for James' first NBA exhibition, got giddy at times and then left intrigued, if not blown away.

They left with the understanding that there is more to come from James. Most will probably want to witness his journey.

After a night that ended with a stat line of 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists, James walked calmly off the court as lingering fans lunged over a rail. The crazy hype did not faze him.

He has a certain swagger, doesn't he?

"This ain't nothing new to me," James said. "Y'all know. I get a lot of exposure."