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Cleveland Cavaliers: LeBron James’ legacy and context

By Clevis Murray

Jun 9, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates after the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the Finals for the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 9, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates after the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the Finals for the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 9, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates after the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the Finals for the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 9, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates after the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the Finals for the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

In order to objectively measure the legacy of LeBron James and his NBA Finals record, we must view it with its necessary context

LeBron James has established himself as one of the greatest non-bigs in NBA history. His resume on the court is immaculate and he’s currently at a place in his career where he really has nothing else to achieve.

Except, put his stats and records farther in distance and of course pursue more championships before he decides to call it a career.

When he does decide to call it a career, his ranking in basketball immortality will be heavily debated until the next once in generation star emerges. What will often be brought up when talking about James is his record in The Finals.

He’s advanced to seven straight and eight overall in his 14-year career and has surfaced a 3-5 record, while guys like Michael Jordan (6-0), Bill Russell (11-1) and Robert Horry (7-0) have perfect or unblemished records in the pinnacle of basketball.

There’s a belief to some in which James is better off just not advancing to the Finals due to the dynastic potential of the Golden State Warriors and how they’re really light years ahead of teams. James not making it to the Finals is a theory with some weigh because with each loss he’s tarnishing his own legacy.

But with every matchup in the main even of the NBA there’s a story. For James, he’s never been favored in the NBA Finals, and there should technically be an asterisk next to every single appearance.

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