Cleveland Cavaliers: LeBron James’ legacy and context

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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2015 vs. Golden State

In James’ first season back with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he led his team back to the Finals. A place they were at eight years prior. Much had changed since the franchsies first appearance back in 2007, with the additions of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love.

The only difference from then was the franchise pushed it to six games. The only similarity is both Love and Irving played the role of Larry Hughes and got hurt. Leaving James to fend for himself.

James was by himself and somehow prolonged the series to six, against the upstart Warriors. His best second player was the “Curry stopper” in Matthew Dellavedova. No disrespect to “Delly,” but after Irving went down in Game 1 it looked like Cleveland had no chance.

Until superhuman James almost led the franchise to it’s first championship by himself. He was almost there, but the drought would soon come to an end.