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You can’t go home again. Or again and again. At this point, we don’t need to go through James’s history and résumé. We know he’s one of the best, if not the best, players to ever step foot on an NBA court. His resume speaks for itself after being drafted by his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers over 20 years ago. James’ success was on another level, and then he left. He won not one, but two championships in Miami with the Heat. Both of those rings should have belonged to Cleveland, but James left for a larger stage and to chase greatness with Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh.
MORE: LeBron James looking to turn 2026-27 NBA season into ‘Last Dance’-style series
Feb 18, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. The Heat defeated the Mavericks 117-106. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
However, he did return. Not only did James return, but in 2016, he led the Cavaliers to the promised land. Not only did they win the championship, but it happened by the force of sheer will as James led Cleveland back from a 3-1 deficit over the Golden State Warriors.
And then, he left again. This time it was for Los Angeles, where James won a fourth ring and hammered home a legacy that didn’t need much hammering. After eight seasons, James is now ready to leave Los Angeles, and it remains to be seen where he’ll complete his NBA career.
What I can say with a large amount of conviction, though, is that it shouldn’t be in Cleveland. It’s clear that the Cavaliers belong to Donovan Mitchell. His recent contract extension clearly proves that, but Cleveland has proven in the last two postseasons that they are missing something to take the next step. I’m not sure that James Harden is that something, but it appears the veteran guard will be returning to Cleveland this season.
Mar 31, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) gives instructions to a teammate during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 122-105. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
What can James add here? While he’s still playing at a high level, he’s no longer the elite player he was in both of his other stints in Cleveland. Even with James, I’m not sure this team has what it takes to get to the next level. And with Mitchell and Harden, what will the opportunity look like for James?
Regardless of where he goes, James is no longer going to be the first or second option. But he will draw all of the attention. Mitchell needs room to breathe here, as this is his team. The problem, though, is that all of the attention will be on James. And at this point in his career, he doesn’t have the ability to deliver on that.
James came back home and gave Cleveland a championship. Let that be the last memory here until his jersey is retired and the statue is built.
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MORE: LeBron James looking to turn 2026-27 NBA season into ‘Last Dance’-style series
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Feb 18, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. The Heat defeated the Mavericks 117-106. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
However, he did return. Not only did James return, but in 2016, he led the Cavaliers to the promised land. Not only did they win the championship, but it happened by the force of sheer will as James led Cleveland back from a 3-1 deficit over the Golden State Warriors.
And then, he left again. This time it was for Los Angeles, where James won a fourth ring and hammered home a legacy that didn’t need much hammering. After eight seasons, James is now ready to leave Los Angeles, and it remains to be seen where he’ll complete his NBA career.
What I can say with a large amount of conviction, though, is that it shouldn’t be in Cleveland. It’s clear that the Cavaliers belong to Donovan Mitchell. His recent contract extension clearly proves that, but Cleveland has proven in the last two postseasons that they are missing something to take the next step. I’m not sure that James Harden is that something, but it appears the veteran guard will be returning to Cleveland this season.
You must be registered for see images attach
Mar 31, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) gives instructions to a teammate during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 122-105. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
What can James add here? While he’s still playing at a high level, he’s no longer the elite player he was in both of his other stints in Cleveland. Even with James, I’m not sure this team has what it takes to get to the next level. And with Mitchell and Harden, what will the opportunity look like for James?
Regardless of where he goes, James is no longer going to be the first or second option. But he will draw all of the attention. Mitchell needs room to breathe here, as this is his team. The problem, though, is that all of the attention will be on James. And at this point in his career, he doesn’t have the ability to deliver on that.
James came back home and gave Cleveland a championship. Let that be the last memory here until his jersey is retired and the statue is built.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...
