Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 goals for LeBron James in 2017-18

4. Finish top five in assists

Since coming into the league over a decade ago, James has managed to cement his place as one of the game’s premier playmakers. He uses his 6’8″, 260-pound frame and prolific vision to set up his teammates for easy baskets and take advantage of opposing defenses, which is a rare trait for a man of his stature.

Last season, James became the first frontcourt player in league history to register 7,000 dimes in his career and almost finished within the top five in assists. The 13-time All-Star averaged close to nine assists per game for the Cavaliers, and should James seek to get his team over the hump, finishing in the top five would serve as an added benefit to Cleveland this season.

With Irving gone and Thomas on the shelf, James will sezie the role of point forward in head coach Tyronn Lue‘s offense, and increase his standing as the team’s primary facilitator, setting up the likes of Kevin Love, Kyle Korver, J.R. Smith and Jeff Green for opportunities while looking to take what the defense gives him in the process.

James has never finished in the top five in assists in his 14-year career, and while it might make for a lofty goal, it would be quite the accomplishment for a player who is now the game’s elder statesman.