Cleveland ? Russell vs. Chamberlain. Bird vs. Magic. Jordan vs. Everyone.

Rivalries have always given the NBA some extra bounce. Tonight, another will be born.

This one pits a pair of the league’s most talented rookies — good friends who have received rave reviews after playing just a few pro games.

And Cleveland’s LeBron James and Denver’s Carmelo Anthony can’t wait for the opening tip.

“I’m looking forward to it,” said James, the Cavaliers’ 18-year-old guard.

“You know there’s going to be a lot of hype,” Anthony said.

More than 20,000 fans, a national TV audience and more media than have ever covered a game in Gund Arena, will witness the Cavaliers’ home opener against the Nuggets.

It also will be James’ regular-season home debut, and the former Akron high school standout — and No. 1 NBA draft pick — wants to put on a good show.

“A lot of people are going to be here,” said James, who has averaged 18 points, 7.3 rebounds and 7.7 assists in three games. “I’m just here to show the city of Cleveland that we’re a way, way, way better team than we were last year.”

James grew up just 30 miles away, and he’s expecting a large contingent of family and friends to be on hand: “Half of Akron,” he says.

James and Anthony last faced each other in high school and have been trying to downplay any rivalry.