4. The Bulls’ biggest obstacle now resides out West
One of the biggest storylines from the offseason was LeBron James’ departure to the Los Angeles Lakers. While most of the teams in the East can now breathe a bit easier, no one was happier about this development than the Bulls, and who could blame them?
James and his teams have proven to be the immovable object for Chicago come playoff time. During his time with the Miami Heat, James ended the Bulls’ postseason runs in 2011 (Eastern Conference Finals) and 2013 (Eastern Conference semifinals).
And during his two stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers, James and his teams knocked Chicago out of the first round in the 2010 playoffs and again in the second round of the 2015 playoffs.
Cavaliers advance to Eastern Conference Finals for 1st time since 2009 pic.twitter.com/VW2QR2ZOz1
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 15, 2015
As if that wasn’t enough, James and the Cavs defeated the Bulls in all four regular-season meetings between these two teams last season. With James now residing in the West, the conference is wide open and the Bulls won’t have the larger than life obstacle staring them in the face, should they reach the postseason.