They are calling it the "Obama Classic" - starring Barack Obama, featuring Barack Obama, script by Barack Obama, directed by Barack Obama, and produced by...oh hell:

With extra time on their hands because of pro basketball's lockout, super hoopsters Kevin Durant, Chris Bosh, Dwight Howard and Blake Griffin are among a few dozen current and former NBA players who have committed to hit the hardwood for the first "Obama Classic" on Dec. 12, according to an Obama campaign Web page set up for the event.

"Athletes who support President Obama ... will play actual games at the event in Washington, D.C.," Michael Blake, deputy director of the Obama campaign's "Operation Vote," wrote in an e-mail to prospective donors that was obtained by POLITICO.

The NBA has canceled all of its games through mid-December because of the acrimonious work-stoppage, which began on July 1. Players union president Derek Fisher is listed among the athletes who will play at the Obama fundraiser.

The event seems to be a perfect combination of two of the president's great interests: Raising money and playing basketball. An Obama campaign spokesman did not immediately respond to questions about the fundraiser, so it is not yet known whether the commander in chief will attend the event.

It wouldn't surprise me a bit if the president tried to play in one of those games.

First of all, an event only becomes a "classic" when it has gone on for a few years. In this case, it becomes an "instant" classic because...well, just because. Naming an event after yourself might be considered in some quarters the height of cheekiness. But Obama does this without a whiff of irony - the sign of a true narcissist.