Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 reasons LeBron James should re-sign
By Amaar Burton
4. The NBA Finals streak
LeBron is the only three-time NBA champion whose three rings have an “only” attached to them. His 3-6 record in the NBA Finals is also a glaring demerit on his resume when held up against Michael Jordan‘s 6-0 mark and Kobe Bryant‘s 5-2 Finals record in the never-ending three-way debate over the three living legends.
Given that, it’s arguable that LeBron’s most impressive team accomplishment is his consistent dominance of the Eastern Conference. LeBron’s teams have won the East and made it to the NBA Finals eight times in a row.
If he wants to continue that streak of Finals appearances, the path of least resistance is to stay in the East.
If he wants to salvage his reputation with the fans and media who place a high value on a player’s Finals record, LeBron’s best move would be to go West. Losing a series to Golden State, Houston or San Antonio in the conference playoffs doesn’t go on the Finals record. And if LeBron got past the best the West has to offer, a presumably weaker opponent would be waiting in the Finals, where he could improve his record.
That doesn't make sense either. I thought LeBron was about making it to the Finals? So he would give up his 8 straight Finals streak, sacrifice a year of his play at 34 and wait on Leonard? Even with LeBron this LA team isn't beating GSW. But then again what the hell do I know.
— George Tate III (@gtater33) June 20, 2018
But if that streak of Finals appearances is important, Cleveland is one of the safer picks.
The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers are building talented young squads in the East that should be contenders for years to come, but they are still considered lesser competition than what LeBron would be facing in the West.