With the 2018 NBA Playoffs now entering the second round, LeBron James was able to avoid a major scare in the first round.
Heading into the 2018 NBA Playoffs, there were many questions about how the Cleveland Cavaliers would perform. People doubted the ability of the current Cavs team to return to the NBA Finals after having such an up-and-down season. Though, when people saw the Cavs matched up against the Indiana Pacers in the first round, they figured it would be another easy first round series for LeBron James. That didn’t turn out to be the case.
The Indiana Pacers battled the Cavs in seven tightly contested games. They lost today’s matinee game on the road in Cleveland, but gave an inspiring effort in their first round match-up. Many did not expect the Pacers to even make it to the postseason after trading Paul George away. They defied all expectations by pushing the Cavs to seven games. However, once again, LeBron James proved too mighty an opponent to overcome.
LeBron James put in another great effort in Game 7. According to ESPN, he totaled 45 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists. As he’s shown throughout his career, James delivers when it is needed. This game marked the fourth time in the series that LeBron scored 40+ points.
This series coming to an end has to disappoint most Lakers fans. The Pacers’ play inspired us to believe that James might be convinced to leave Cleveland this offseason. Losing in the first round for the first time in his career certainly would have been good motivation to change scenery.
Though, even having to go seven games against the Pacers may prove to James that this team does not give him the best chance at winning. The Pacers partly proved to LeBron that the East finally has some tough competition. This year may be the end to LeBron’s current 7-year streak appearing in the Finals.
Certainly Indiana is not the best team currently in the East. To emerge from their conference, the Cavs will have to defeat the top-seeded Raptors next. After that, the Philadelphia Sixers or Celtics await.
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The Eastern Conference finally has some stiff competition for LeBron James. If he bows out from the postseason in this round or the next, he is likely to be searching for a new team this offseason. Only few teams can offer him max money and a team ready to contend. One of those teams is Los Angeles, and we should like our odds in landing King James.