Given the Cavaliers forward’s studio deal with Warner Brothers and his subtle hints at a role in the sequel to “Space Jam,” released in 1996 starring Michael Jordan, the wait for an official announcement is bypassed by anticipation.

But, naturally, the suspense is met with nostalgia-based criticism. Nobody can replace the legendary Jordan and his role in the animated film, many claim. Why try to re-create a movie so unique in its Looney sentiment?

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First of all, because they can, and millions will pay to see it. But a sequel starring James also could trump the original with Jordan for five reasons.

Disclaimer: The writer of this piece is a 90s baby who has watched “Space Jam” roughly 382 times. He still enjoys the movie, and he oozes with reminiscence just thinking about it. He is not a “Space Jam” or Jordan hater. Far from it.

— James is a bettor actor.

This one’s simple. “Space Jam” is a great movie; Jordan in “Space Jam” was not a great performance. Filming a movie with Looney Toon characters that don’t physically exist is difficult and Jordan seemed unnatural. That’s fine. He gets a pass since, you know, he’s not an actor.

But James, also not an actor, was surprisingly impressive with his role in the 2015 comedy “Trainwreck.” In case you haven’t seen it, SN’s Sean Gentille wrote about it. James’ apparent acting skills would be appreciated by his cartoon co-stars.

— James is more Looney.

By Looney, we mean cartoonish and funny. James has a playful personality that, for the most part, he turns off when on the court. He’s a prankster who would fit right in with Bugs Bunny, Wile E. Coyote and Co.

Jordan’s sense of humor is a mystery. By all accounts, he’s a no-funny-business guy who, in reality, would have been infuriated by the Looney Tunes’ actions on the hardwood. That’s part of the reason he was awkward at times in “Space Jam.”

— James is more believable as a “nice guy” and role model for kids.

No matter how many 90s babies in their mid-20s claim “Space Jam” to be theirs, the movie is for children. “Space Jam 2” will be, too. We’re not suggesting James is squeaky-clean, but he’s closer to the good-guy image the movie portrays than Jordan was.

The unfortunate irony in the role of Jordan’s family in “Space Jam” is the fact that he eventually divorced his wife, Juanita Vanoy, after reported cases of unfaithfulness. We also can’t ignore Jordan’s gambling controversy in the context of the movie, in which he literally risks his livelihood on a bet with Swackhammer, the boss of the Monstars. Rather than taking such a risk, James likely would make some sort of demand. He’s good at those. Dan Gilbert knows.

— James would attract bigger co-stars.

Nothing against Bill Murray and Larry Bird, but we can do better. James, thanks to social media platforms and the NBA’s unprecedented global reach, might be the biggest international superstar sports have ever seen. As big as Jordan was in the 90s, his era didn’t offer such exposure.

James’ group of peers extends far beyond the court. Wouldn’t you like to see Kevin Hart, Beyoncé, Amy Schumer, Drake or Prince William in “Space Jam 2?”

— James knows how to play with teammates who are not good basketball players.

Yeah, that’s harsh. But let’s be honest. If James can lead the 2014-15 Cavs to the NBA Finals without Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, he could lead the Toon Squad over the Monstars or any opponent produced by Moron Mountain.