2020 NBA Playoffs

The last three years have not been easy for LeBron James. It has been a rough stretch for the King but nonetheless he remains just as dominant as ever. To still be considered the best player on the planet along with any possibility of chasing down MJ in titles this year is crucial.

Why do I believe this is such a defining year for James?

Simply put, this is the first year in the NBA where there is no clear-cut favorite to win the championship. Golden State's super-team on steroids has been disassembled giving the NBA it's much needed balance back.

Let's Look Back:

2017 Season:

After LeBron pulled off what could be the greatest comeback in sports history down 3-1 vs the Warriors in 2016, the Cavaliers looked to repeat. The following year LeBron would not disappoint. Despite becoming the first player ever to average a triple double in a NBA Finals he still lost!

LeBron James 2017 NBA Finals:

33.6 PPG 12 RPG

10 AST

Honestly though, what more could you possibly ask for? There was no chance that even with a legendary performance from James that anyone could've beat the 2017 Warriors. That team had three first ballot hall of famers in their prime in Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry and of course Kevin Durant. Not to mention the fact that regardless of how much you hate Draymond Green, he was the current defensive player of the year at the time (and an all-star). Everyone knew how 2017 would end before the season even began, but that didn't stop James from still proving he was King. Many still argue that even though LeBron lost the finals that year, he still should have won the Finals MVP trophy.

2018 Season:

2018 was almost a mirror image of 2017. The Warriors were still playing with an unfair amount of talent and LeBron would once again be the only contender to rise from the East. The match-up between the Warriors/Cavaliers was inevitable and every basketball fan once again knew the result prior to the opening tip. Just like 2017 NBA Finals, in spite of another record night, LeBron would still fall short. In one of the most infamous games of NBA history James looked to will the Cavs to a tone-setting Game 1 victory in Golden State. With 49 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists JR Smith made one of the most unforgettable mistakes as he would forget the score after rebounding George Hill's missed the game-winning free throw attempt and self-sabotaging all of the Cavalier's hopes.

LeBron ended the game with a playoff career high 51 points with 8 rebounds and 8 assists, but once again on the wrong side of history by becoming the first player in NBA Finals history to lose a game with 50+ points. This was only the third 50 point performance in NBA Finals history and the first person to do so since Jordan back in '93. LeBron also shot a ridiculous 59.4% throughout the game and scored 13 points on 6-7 shooting in the 4th quarter.

LeBron James 2018 NBA Finals Game 1-3 Stats: 37.7 PPG / 53% Shooting 10.7 APG 9 RPG 46.3 MPG

In spite of this superhuman performance the Cavaliers still found themselves down 3-0 and would eventually lose the series in 5. Even as James enters the latter part of his career his numbers speak for themselves. You cannot question his greatness with numbers like that.

2020 NBA Playoffs:

Now that we know for sure the 2020 NBA season will come to a conclusion it's time to pick up things right where we left off! The new look Lakers have been dominant in the West while James was in the middle of his self proclaimed "washed season" where once again he continues to defy the odds reigning in one of his best all around seasons and was the front-runner for his fourth MVP. As James entered his 17th year in the league at age 35 will he finally capture his fourth title?

Threats in the West:

Clippers?

Before the season even began Kawhi Leonard decided to change the layout of the NBA by leaving Toronto for the Clippers. Shortly after Paul George would eventually become Leonard's sidekick. On paper the Clippers have an extremely talented team, but in a 7 game series that would stay in Los Angeles for the duration do we really believe the Clippers could stifle out the Lakers 1-2 punch in LeBron and AD? My answer, no.

Threats in the East:

Milwaukee?

As Giannis continues to make his splash in the NBA and tries to out-duel LeBron this year for the MVP are we looking at the 2020 NBA Finals matchup? I don't see any team in the East that can stand up to the Bucks in a 7 game series. With that being said, I believe Bucks/Lakers will battle it out this year. I believe that if given the opportunity to do so LeBron will dominate this series.

Let's not forget that right before the NBA took this hiatus LeBron had back to back wins over Toronto and Milwaukee. With debates lingering between Giannis/LeBron on who should win the MVP this year LeBron made a statement in Milwaukee. He dropped 37 points with 8 rebounds and 8 assists and outperformed Giannis in a 113-103 victory. He then would keep this momentum going as he faced off vs the Clippers two nights later. With Paul George and Kawhi Leonard both shooting 50% they would still fall short to the Lakers as LeBron and AD combined for 58 points. I cannot see any team beating the Lakers in a 7 game series this year...is this the year for title number 4?!