Option 1: Stay (and retire) in Cleveland
This is probably the “storybook” ending to James’ career. In this scenario, James stays the course with the Cavs and finishes his career right where it started: Northeast Ohio. The Cavs likely remain as contenders for as long as James plays. They make a few more Finals appearances and perhaps even win another championship or two. If James can match or surpass the two titles that he won in Miami, the argument for him as the greatest player of all time would improve in the eyes of many.
On the court, James would likely take a reduced role as his career comes to a close. This probably means that Kyrie Irving would become the number one option on offense and perhaps even face of the team. That transition is eased by James’ ability to be the floor general while Irving attacks. James has proven that he is more than capable of taking the role of a distributor, averaging 7.0 assists per game for his career.
Irving has always been a scorer, averaging 21.6 points per game over the course of his career. That number will likely be improved with him being the focal point of the Cavs’ offense.
James has taken Irving under his wing during his time in Cleveland. He had this to say about the point guard following the Cavs’ win over the Raptors on Sunday, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin:
"Kyrie can score on anybody he wants, ANYBODY. On a consistent level. His next growth, which I believe is going to make him a great, an all-time great, is when he can also consistently make other guys around him better. Which he is doing now. This is great to see. It’s always great to be a part of somebody’s maturation process. You know what I’m saying? I love it."
James finishing his Hall of Fame career in Cleveland could mean big things for the Cavs – and also for Irving.