Cleveland ? Maximus was the first name LeBron James wanted for his second son, a nod to the lead character in “Gladiator,” his favorite movie.

But like Caesar, Mommy gave it a thumbs down.

“She didn’t like it,” James said Thursday night, shortly before Game 4 of the NBA finals. “So she settled for the middle.”

James became a father for the second time early Thursday when his girlfriend, Savannah Brinson, gave birth to the couple’s second son, Bryce Maximus James.

James was in the delivery room for the birth, a moment that made the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 3-0 deficit to the San Antonio Spurs seem somewhat secondary.

“You put everything in perspective,” he said. “This is definitely special for me, being a part of the NBA and being a part of the NBA finals. It’s great. Win, lose or draw, this is special for my family, especially to have another James. It doesn’t get any better than this.”

The 22-year-old James didn’t get much sleep, but was able to sneak in a nap before heading to Quicken Loans Arena.