Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James put on one of the most dominant NBA Finals performances in the history of the sport, but for the fourth time in six appearances, fell short of winning the whole thing. As always, James will be criticized for coming up short again, but this time around, the loss does not tarnish the King’s legacy.
With Cleveland’s other two stars, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, as well as Anderson Varejao on the sidelines, James was tasked with something he hasn’t really been asked to do since his first NBA Finals appearance back in 2007. He needed to lead a team of below-average to average players to an NBA title. James responded to the challenge in a Herculean effort, but it was to no avail.
For the series, James averaged 35.8 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game. James recorded two triple-doubles in six games and also became the first player in Finals history to lead both teams in points, rebounds, and assists for the series. He even received four Finals MVP votes. James’ performance was certainly the greatest in the modern era, but it was all for naught.
Some may argue that James’ legacy takes a big hit because of this loss, as his record now goes to 2-4 in the NBA Finals for his career. However, there are a number of reasons why those who make this claim are wrong. For starters, the Golden State Warriors were simply the better team, especially as depleted as the Cavaliers were coming in. LeBron simply did not have enough help from his teammates. When Timofey Mozgov and Matthew Dellavedova are second and third options, there is a huge problem. At times, it even brought back flashes of 2007 when James had to play with the likes of Sasha Pavlovic and Ira Newble.
There were certain points in this series where James was more passive than he should’ve been, but he is not Superman. As great of a physical specimen as he is, he can’t do it all by himself. No one can. So, for those critics who laugh at the comparisons between James and all-time greats like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, it’s time to show some respect. Take a look at every championship Jordan and Bryant won and it’s clear that they had some help along the way. James matches up to both players pretty well in every category besides rings.
LeBron is only 30 years old and still has a few more years left in his prime. Don’t hold it against him that he couldn’t carry a rotation that doesn’t belong in the Finals to a championship over the best team in the NBA. Hold James accountable for what he does with the team at full strength.
James has accomplished just about everything there is to accomplish in his 11-year career. Obviously, he can’t please everybody, but at the end of the day, he’s one of the greatest players the game has ever seen. No one will forget an NBA Finals loss, but this particular loss does not tarnish the legacy of King James.
Brandon Austin is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @BMoreThanGreat, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
