Meet James F. Goldstein, the NBA’s best-known *superfan*:

Goldstein has been to 33 playoff games this year alone, has met many of the game’s stars personally, and once even rode the U.S. National team bus at the 2006 World Championships.

So how the hell does he manage all that?

Having an overly absurd love of basketball is a good start. From BLOOMBERG.COM:

Goldstein, better known as Jimmy, who spends more than $300,000 a year to feed his hoops habit. “I’ve taken it to a level no fan ever has.”

Goldstein’s life is basketball without borders, to borrow an NBA phrase. At the 2006 World Championships in Tokyo, for instance, Goldstein shared meals and bus rides with the U.S. coaching staff. A real insider.

Goldstein has three season tickets for the Lakers, who are playing the Celtics in the Finals, and two for the Clippers. Playoff time is Goldstein’s busy time.

Goldstein’s first exposure to the NBA was as an unofficial scorer for the Milwaukee Hawks in the 1950s. And he’s met as many people in that time as you can imagine, and keeps their contact information on a single piece of paper in a shoulder bag. David Stern knows him by name. Younger players introduce themselves to him. Sam Cassell even has a picture of Goldstein in his house. “I feel as though the NBA has really embraced me,” Goldstein said.

Goldstein, who declined to give his age, says that the days of jet-setting from arena to arena could be drawing to a close.

Turner Network Television uses the slogan “40 games in 40 nights” to describe its NBA broadcast schedule. It also applies to Goldstein, who thus far has attended 33 games during the postseason. Wherever there’s a game.

“Flying commercial gets more difficult every year,” Goldstein says.

He always pays for tickets. And he almost always sits in the front row.

All Goldstein will reveal about his finances is that he has investments in California that don’t require much of his time or attention.

“I’m not sure from a physical standpoint when I won’t be able to do this anymore,” he said, emphasizing the drain of travel.

This playoff season Goldstein has crisscrossed the country more than once. Salt Lake City one night, Denver the next. And then maybe Cleveland, Phoenix, New Orleans and Philadelphia.

I guess crazy doesn’t always wear face paint. Yes, I am jealous. There’s nothing better than being able to do what you love and meet people that most of us simply idolize. Maybe he knew Tim Donaghy, too. Might explain how he’s able to fund his travel budget.