7. Cleveland Cavaliers 2010s all-decade starting lineup
- Kyrie Irving
- J.R. Smith
- LeBron James
- Kevin Love
- Tristan Thompson
The 2015-16 version of the Cleveland Cavaliers may have brought home the title, but it’s their run as the defending champs that was the best iteration of this potent lineup.
Whereas some fretted about their function on the team, everyone fell in line after witnessing what it brought them. You could see Kevin Love look more comfortable as the third option compared to the years where he had to adjust, and the chemistry was at an all-time high after such a unique bonding experience.
Kyrie Irving and LeBron James had become one of the most feared duos in the league on account of their individual greatness that slowly meshed together. We watched them combine for over 80 in a Finals game, and it’s their combined flame-thrower potential that can keep them competitive with just about any opponent.
The result was an elite offensive unit and a defense that, when it needed to be, could compete at a high level.
You can surround LeBron with nearly any supporting cast and he’ll have them in the thick of the championship mix. Increase his already absurdly high IQ and give a championship-proven supporting cast? That’s a recipe for elite basketball and a problem for those who have to stop it.