Cleveland’s Ode to LeBron’s Reign

A look back on LeBron James’ last four seasons and the Cleveland Cavaliers sweet entanglement with greatness.

Cleveland Cavaliers superstar Lebron James may have just completed one of the best, if not the best, season of his 15-year career.

A quick recap of what has been added to his resume:

• The all-time leader in postseason steals
• Most NBA First Team selections in NBA history
• Youngest player to score 30,000 career points
• First in NBA history with 10 consecutive division titles
• Most consecutive games with double-digit points in NBA history, breaking Michael Jordan’s previous record of 866
• First player ever with 30,000 points, 8,000 rebounds, and 8,000 assists in his career
• Oldest player to average a triple-double for a month, passing Wilt Chamberlain
• Most field goals ever in the NBA postseason
• Second most points in NBA Finals history
• Certifiably clutch thanks to two more playoff buzzer beaters, bringing his career total to five

And he did it in a Cleveland uniform.

This list is not meant to spark a never-ending debate if James is greater than Michael Jordan. It is also not some roundabout beginning to a sad farewell letter. It is simply a reminder for how damn lucky we’ve been: the history we have witnessed up until this point, the celebrations we have been a part of and the NBA gifs we have been able to play a small role in.

As ESPN Senior Writer Brian Windhorst explains, when it comes to James’ upcoming free agency, absolutely anything is possible. The Decision Part III might be explained in a letter, a social media post, or who knows, it might even be written across Cleveland’s skyline.

More from King James Gospel

• 3 possible starting lineups for Cleveland Cavaliers in 2023-24
• The Cavaliers may have snagged a hidden gem in Craig Porter Jr.
• 4 players the Cavaliers should pursue in 2024 free agency
• 6 players Cavaliers might replace Jarrett Allen with by the trade deadline
• This stat is one to keep an eye on for Cavaliers’ Max Strus in years ahead

With the Philadephia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets (to name a few) salivating at the possibility to bring James onboard, and after suffering on the wrong end of a clean sweep in the NBA finals, Cleveland fans have resorted to a familiar method of thinking.

The one we used to operate with before LeBron, and the one we still operate with for every other Cleveland sports franchise: Expect the worst and pray for the best.

But overlying that cynicism is contentment. It is a strange feeling to accept that possibly the greatest player of all time might actually have to leave Northeast Ohio in order to get the championships he deserves.

He came to Cleveland in 2003 and quickly became the city’s beloved chosen one. He left in 2010, in ugly fashion, on an extended business trip to Miami, Florida. And in 2014, he returned to deliver on a promise. In doing so, he infused Cleveland’s economy with millions of dollars and instantaneously transformed a lottery team to a championship contender.

In 2018 though, there is no simple solution or path forward for the man who single-handedly controls the balance of the NBA in his broken hand. Part of the irony is that Cleveland is in a difficult position to vie for LeBron’s future because his supremacy may have left hurdles that might be too difficult to overcome.

Of course, the Cavaliers did not have to trade Kyrie Irving, especially not to an Eastern Conference rival. But argue what you want about whether or not Cleveland could have figured out the Kyrie drama; Kyrie wanted out because he knew the Cavaliers were not truly his team.

While he is still in his prime, LeBron’s alpha dominance is not for every player, and it certainly might not be for every franchise. Another reason why his 2018 decision is still unsolved.

LeBron’s superiority has also been fueled by his contract decisions. He has not only transformed a franchise; he has transformed the way in which NBA players conduct business. Protect yourself is the name of the game.

Unfortunately, for the Cavaliers, that game has resulted in short-term contracts, a risky win-now mentality and limited cap space.

The dark cloud over this season has been whether or not James will return. It has been looming since October, inching closer with every demoralizing loss, Twitter poll and media debate.

No other team in the NBA has had the same level of drama, pressure and scrutiny that the Cleveland Cavaliers have had over the past four seasons; but that’s because no other team has had LeBron James.

Not included in that list at the top? The dunks that took your breath away. The beatdown of hopeful Eastern Conference contenders (looking at you, Toronto). The injury scares that were never actual injury scares. The reliable consistency. And the complete awe in watching a master perfect his craft.

So whatever happens this summer, whether we face a sweet rush of relief or a disappointing discovery, of course it was worth it. Every last second.

Next: Cleveland Cavaliers: Top 30 all-time greatest players

Cleveland, this was for you.