NBA Finals Prediction: A vintage LeBron series
Maybe even the last vintage LeBron series we ever see, but apparently the rules of time and aging don’t apply to him so I won’t predict that. I’ll believe that when I see it.
The closeout Game 5 against Denver reaffirmed a trend that LeBron has quietly kept up throughout these playoffs – when he has a chance to finish the job, he shows up with his best efforts. In fact, during the three close out games for the Lakers, LeBron is averaging 34/12/9 on 61 percent shooting which is impressive even for his standards.
When LeBron gets closer to the finish line he doesn’t coast to it, he sprints to it and dives through the tape head first even if the competition isn’t close behind. I think LeBron can see the finish line to this season, to the bubble, to his fourth ring, and he can’t wait to finish that race.
In LeBron’s own words, a 10th NBA Finals appearance “doesn’t mean much“ without the championship, and he’s right. The finish line to the season is in sight but the finish line for his career isn’t too far behind it. LeBron will be as motivated as ever, and if the Heat are going to win the series they’ll have to survive a few haymakers from LeBron to get it done.