The dust, or might I say confetti cannons, has finally settled after a tumultuous NBA season. As many hoped (and guessed), LeBron’s championships now equal four, and three organizations. LeBron is not tired, and will continue to play; even though many of us would love to see a new star emerge (maybe I’m in the minority here). Now that LeBron has a ‘chip for Miami, Cleveland, and LA, which franchise will he be remembered with when he finally calls it quits?
Least Likely: Miami Heat
LeBron caused a stir when he left his hometown to fight for a championship in Miami. Although he booked it right back to Cleveland; leaving showed he was in pursuit of a ring, not a new team and their fans. It was a selfish move, he was at the height of his development as one of the best players in history (not that I did not say THE best player in history). LeBron’s tenure in Miami was the kickstart to his finals success. But realistically, when you ask a Miami fan their favorite player, do they say LeBron? No. They say Dwyane Wade, in this day in age probably Jimmy Butler; or if you want to get dicey, Tyler Herro. LeBron made about as much an impact in Miami as Kawhi will have when he inevitably wants out from the incessantly average Clippers.
Second Best: Los Angeles Lakers
This is a hot take considering the future of the franchise after this successful run, but I stand by it. The Lakers had LeBron last year and didn’t make the playoffs. The difference? A huge offseason signing supporting players, including the likes of Anthony Davis for only one year. The Lakers’ storied history makes it impossible to think LeBron’s single championship (in the middle of a pandemic) can overpower the likes of Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, and countless players before him. There is a different argument if they find long-term success, but I don’t think see Warrior potential in them.
Anthony Davis on his upcoming free agency:
— Guy Boston Sports (@GuyBostonSports) October 12, 2020
"I have no idea… I had a great time in LA this year… we'll figure it out. I'm not 100% sure." pic.twitter.com/EslDiZfDRD
Most Likely: Cleveland Cavaliers
Let’s face it, LeBron is a hometown Akron boy, and he revitalized that community. Both through competitive basketball and extensive philanthropic efforts, LeBron completely brought new life to an area that struggled for years. Joe Burrow applauded his efforts as another hometown athlete, noting that the suburban communities in Ohio face immense hardships.
Joe Burrow should take a page out of LeBron James' book
— Speak For Yourself (@SFY) January 14, 2020
"He’s an Ohio kid. He has to do what LeBron did for his area. He has to uplift the Cincinnati Bengals." — @BuckyBrooks pic.twitter.com/PW7qDiRFTQ
Now let me preface that I have only been to Ohio once, and our own Belly Up began in Ohio. However, I wouldn’t call it my dream destination. Consider the community that LeBron represented for all of those years; struggling to find success in sports, in finances, and throughout the country as a reputable metropolis. LeBron’s championships and community advocacy supported ALL of those things (save for helping the Browns in any way). He still continues to advocate for the community with his I Promise school. It’s hard to imagine that he will have the same impact on LA or Miami.
Do LeBron’s Championships Really Matter to His Legacy?
Look, I know that players without rings get less praise. But, there are so many players that didn’t win rings and are still the pillar of a franchise. Kevin Garnett won a championship with the Celtics, but he is considered one of the best Timberwolves to have played. The Orlando Magic drafted Shaquille O’Neal first overall in 1992. He played with them through multiple deep playoff runs, but never won. Although he won championships with the Lakers and Heat, is his time as Rookie of the Year in Orlando null? If Zion and the Pelicans don’t win a championship, will Zion’s time as a Pelican be void as well? Of course not. If LeBron hadn’t won with the Cavs, I think his time would still have been significant, and even more significant than with the Heat. The Lakers championship is so raw, it’s easy to consider it his most important; but is Shaquille O’Neal a Heat, a Laker, or a Magic? Does one championship, like Shaq’s in Miami, really define you in the franchise; or are your efforts as a teammate and a community member more important? I mean, if LeBron was able to fix the situation with the Browns sooner as one of his philanthropic efforts in Cleveland, my argument would have been MUCH easier. Either way, With LeBron’s championships or not, he is a Cav and will be as long as he is in LA.
Follow me on Twitter @swalshy63 to see when I post new articles. Need more NBA content? Check out the rest of Belly Up Sports Basketball coverage.
