The Cleveland Cavaliers are in a series-deciding Game 7. That said, should LeBron James play all 48 minutes if it means a win?
1 minute and 54 seconds. That’s how much in-game time the Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James was given to rest in Game 6, a game which resulted in a ten-point Cavalier win.
Following the Cavaliers first three postseason games, only good things have happened when LeBron James plays over 40 minutes. For starters, he’s 8-0. Overall, James is 8-2 this postseason when he’s logged 40+ minutes.
For James, this hasn’t been the first time Tyronn Lue has asked James to play big minutes in the postseason. In 2016, the year James and the gang made the NBA-altering 3-1 comeback against Golden State, Cleveland was on the back of LeBron James and then point guard Kyrie Irving.
Just like now, James, who played 40+ in 11 of the team’s 21 postseason games, was willing to play the entire game if that’s what it would take.
LeBron James says he's prepared to play 48 minutes during #NBAPlayoffs. He played 40 min. in Game 2 of #CavsPistons pic.twitter.com/nR7WyMoKYA
— Matt Goul (@mgoul) April 21, 2016
Lue, without Kevin Love on the court, might need James’ leadership in the game at all moments.
For Lue, he really has no choice put to give James those minutes. James has been the only consistent Cavalier this entire season. Ever since the trade sending Kyrie Irving to the now-rival Celtics, Cleveland hasn’t had that consistent second option for James to rely upon.
Kevin Love was supposed to help fill the void of Irving’s departure, but this postseason, he has been far some excellent. This postseason, Love has recorded his lowest points per game average in his career. At just 13.9 points per game, the Cavs have struggled because of Love’s lacking play.
For Cleveland, the sheer will of LeBron James is the only reason the Cavs have made it this far. His will and his endurance have created an almost unstoppable force in the postseason.
It’s about more than just Kevin Love and the rest of the Cavaliers, this game will help define the legacy of LeBron James.
James has the durability, he has the endurance, and he’s proven to be the most important player on any team this postseason. He has to play 48 minutes, and he might regret not doing so if his team falls just short.
Next: Cleveland Cavaliers: Top 30 all-time greatest players
Claiming to be in the greatest shape both mentally and physically, James should be ready to roll on Sunday, and if it comes down to it, you might see him on the floor for all 48 minutes.