Cleveland Cavaliers: LeBron James Is Turning A Corner
13 seasons into his illustrious NBA career, LeBron James appears to have experienced a career epiphany. The Cleveland Cavaliers are realistically pursuing an elusive championship because of it.
Whether you love him or hate him—and, generally speaking, there isn’t much of an in-between—LeBron James is one of the greatest players in NBA history. Most have him slotted at the back-end of the Top 10 on the all-time list, and he’s still in the prime of his career.
Due to the fact that he is 13 years into his NBA career, however, it seems silly to write what’s about to be written: LeBron James is turning a corner.
James is having one of his least prolific seasons from a statistical perspective. He’s regressed as a shooter—although, he increased his field goal and free throw percentages from 2014-15 to 2015-16—and has faced criticism for his lack of defensive proficiency—while holding opponents to 37.4 percent shooting from the field.
Deserving of flack as he may be, James is doing something that he’s never done before: leading.
James has led teams to two NBA championships, six NBA Finals appearances, and eight Conference Finals. Thus, it seems odd to state that he’s never been leader, but that is to be taken as it is.
James has always led by example, but in his 13th NBA season, he’s evolved into a true leader of men.
Leadership
LeBron James’ style of leadership has been one of the most polarizing aspects of his NBA career. From the heavily-publicized manner in which he screamed at Mario Chalmers, to the accusations that he can’t take coaching, “Leader,” has been a loosely applicable term.
Following the Cavaliers’ Game 3 loss to the Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference Finals, James turned the ultimate corner.
James played well, recording 24 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and two steals on 9-of-17 shooting. It was Kyrie Irving—13 points on 3-of-19 shooting—and Kevin Love—three points on 1-of-9 shooting—who failed to show up during the 99-84 defeat.
According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, James believes that Irving and Love’s issues in Game 3 are, “Good for them.”
"“I think it’s good for them,” James said afterward. “It’s good for them. First little adversity, first individually in a long time, and I think it’s good for them. I think they’ll be much better, obviously, on Monday, but it’s good for them.“We know they’ll be much better.”"
In just one quote, James transformed from the superstar who berated his teammates on the court, and left it at that, to the leader who believes in his teammates’ ability to overcome adversity.
In just one quote, James evolved from the star who debatably dismissed teammates in times of trial to the wiser veteran who remains faithful in the embattled when no one else appears to be.
This is the ultimate step into the higher tier of all-time greatness. Anyone can yell at teammates in an attempt to motivate them, but the passive comments that simultaneously challenge and place faith in those facing adversity are a sign of maturity and true leadership.
James’ comments after a tough Game 3 for both Irving and Love are a shining example of such a development.
Style Of Play
LeBron James has always been something of a bull in a china shop. His court vision, finishing ability, and basketball IQ have been incomparable strengths, but his ability to physically overwhelm the opposition has long been the foundation for his success.
Throughout the 2016 NBA Playoffs, James has played the most mature and advanced game of his career.
James’ longstanding approach has been to lead by example and hold his teammates to the expectation of being able to carry their weight. His influence was incomparable as he led underwhelming teams to overwhelming success, and helped the Miami Heat’s star-studded roster win two championships.
It wasn’t until this season—and moreover, this postseason—that he began to show the signs of a true orchestrator.
James isn’t posting the gaudiest statistics of his career, and that’s exactly why Cleveland has played so well. His primary goal has been to set his teammates up, whether that results in an assist or not, and appears far more comfortable than he’s ever been in the role of a decoy.
Suddenly, the statistics aren’t the motivation; the victories are.
The result has been Kevin Love and J.R. Smith‘s mastery of the 3-point field goal; Kyrie Irving’s increased confidence in critical moments; Matthew Dellavedova and Channing Frye‘s emergence as primetime scoring threats.
Only time will tell if James’ style of play is permanent or temporary, but he’s looking more and more like the leader Cleveland needs to end its championship draught.
Unique Opportunity
No professional sports organization from the city of Cleveland has won a championship since the Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Barons won titles in 1964. For perspective, Jim Brown led Cleveland to its last NFL Championship before the existence of the Super Bowl.
52 years later, LeBron James has a chance to put the ultimate bow on his legendary resume.
The path James has taken to this point has been polarizing, if no other word can describe it. He left the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat, developed tendencies to flop and complain to the referees as a teammate of Dwyane Wade‘s, and returned home after winning two titles.
To never win a championship with the Cavaliers would be the ultimate blemish, but to win even one would be the ultimate accolade.
If James manages to deliver on his promise and win a championship for the city of Cleveland, his all-time resume would infinitely improve. He’s already one of five players in NBA history to win at least four regular season MVP awards, and is one of 10 with at least two Finals MVP awards.
There’s no telling where it would land him on the all-time list, but if James delivers a championship to the city of Cleveland, his legacy would be complete.
James’ recent acts of leadership imply that he’s ready to make that long-awaited final leap into the highest tier of all-time greats.