5. Owning His Legacy
Whatever LeBron does in Cleveland will be novel. Every year he writes new and exciting history for the Cavaliers, unlike any other player in the NBA and perhaps even North American sports. No matter who plays for the Cavs after James retires, like Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, James’ shadow will loom large, establishing the gold standard for any future player that walks through Quicken Loans Arena’s doors.
This would extend into all of Ohio and perhaps beyond, where former Cleveland Browns great Jim Brown has held the mantle. Were he to end up in Los Angeles, he’d be another great in a lineage of all-time legends. There’s no shame in that, but James’ goal is to stand alone, not alongside. The value of winning another title in Cleveland, versus for a storied franchise like the Lakers, is immeasurable.
Another title in Cleveland would likely cement his legacy as the greatest to ever play, vanquishing the ghosts of Jordan.
