Then again, Jordan also followed that up by winning six championships. The first one came in year seven.
LeBron’s in year eight now.
It’s still only April, but it’s not too early to say that the legacy series to end all legacy series is about to get underway. King James is taking on the Celtics in the East playoffs for the third time in his career, and he has to win this time. He absolutely has to. We can only keep calling a prince a King for so long. If he wants to keep his title, he’s got to earn it.
He tried and failed twice to get over the Bostonian hump with the Cleveland Cavaliers. First it was 2008 — he forced a Game 7 in Boston and outdueled Paul Pierce 45-41 once there, but the Celtics put together a team effort to hold him off in the final minutes. They won a championship that year. LeBron got nothing.
Then came 2010, when the Cavs were heavily favored but melted down after taking a 2-1 lead. The C’s blew LeBron away at the TD Garden in a fateful Game 6. They went to the Finals. LeBron went to South Beach.
LeBron tried to beat the Celtics with his old hometown team, but it just wasn’t happening. Call it a copout, call it what you will, but he’s now joined forces with two fellow All-Stars in an attempt to finally put the C’s away.
If he can’t get it done this time, he’s going to have a lot of questions to answer.
LeBron, does Pierce just have your number?
LeBron, will you ever beat these guys?
LeBron, how can you be the next great one with no rings?
LeBron, what if this whole Miami experiment never pays off?
He’s now 26 years old, and eight seasons in. He’s had plenty of time to grow into the player he is today, but now it’s winning time.
For the third time in his career, LeBron James has a green-clad juggernaut standing in his way. If he can’t overcome it this time, we may have to reconsider whether he really belongs among the all-time greats.
What do you think of LeBron James’ hopes against the Celtics? Share your thoughts below.
