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LeBron James knows the Cavaliers are facing a monster in the NBA Finals. But Cleveland's superstar feels "very good" about the Cavaliers' chances to repeat as champions despite being tabbed major underdogs. James is appearing in his seventh straight Finals and eighth overall. He pointed to previous matchups against talented San Antonio and Boston teams in the postseason as great preparation for the Warriors.

By TOM WITHERS

AP Sports Writer

Associated Press

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio • LeBron James says the challenge of facing the Golden State Warriors in the Finals is "up there" with any of his career.

Appearing in his seventh straight Finals, James knows the Cleveland Cavaliers are underdogs as they prepare to the play the Western Conference champions for the third straight year. This version of the Warriors is even scarier than previous ones as Kevin Durant is now playing with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.

James was in a similar situation in Miami when he went up against San Antonio and a roster of future Hall of Famers.

The three-time champion said playing Golden State is "going to be very challenging not only on me mentally, but on our ballclub and on our franchise."

Reminded that Las Vegas oddsmakers had made him an underdog in six of his eight Finals, James quipped, "I only play blackjack in Vegas anyway, so it doesn't matter."