LeBron James Should Not Go Back to Cavs to Preserve 2016 Title Legacy, Says Chris Russo

There are many who believe LeBron James can elevate the Cleveland Cavaliers to become title contenders.

LeBron James Should Not Go Back to Cavs to Preserve 2016 Title Legacy, Says Chris Russo

LeBron James has options this offseason (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • LeBron James is advised against returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers to protect his championship legacy.
  • Analyst Chris Russo warns that a failed return could tarnish James' past achievements with the Cavs.
  • Staying with the Los Angeles Lakers may shield James from blame if the team struggles in future seasons.

With every passing day, there are doubts about whether the Los Angeles Lakers have enough inclination to bring back LeBron James for one more year.

The 41-year-old has proven well how he can lead the team when needed, and also win playoff games in the process. He has also shone as a leader when their top two scorers were down with injuries.

The Akron native also displayed how he can do whatever the team wants him to do. Moving from being the most important piece to becoming a third option is not something a superstar still playing at an elite level would accept to do.

Many praised the four-time champion for accepting the lesser role for the greater good. However, the King still believes he can be the leading star. The problem is that the Lakers might not want him in that role.

Why would you go back to a place where you’ve won a championship, the greatest championship that they’ve ever had since the ’64 Browns?… If you don’t win a championship, you’re gonna put a blemish on a championship you did win, cause you’re going to be the last memory of the Cavs fans.

Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo said on First Take

The veteran analyst believes that LeBron James should preserve the legacy he has with his hometown team. There is a reason why they gave him a fitting tribute that brought him to tears.

If the father of three were to return home and end up not winning a title, or have a bad playoff run, those same fans would turn on him. Chris Russo believes returning to Cleveland would be a bad idea.

RELATED
LeBron James Faces July 1 Deadline as Lakers Could Renounce Rights, Says Brian Windhorst

LeBron James’ legacy will be safe with the Lakers

Chris Russo might have a point here. If LeBron James were to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and they somehow do not manage to get better than what they are currently, the blame will squarely land on his shoulders.

LeBron James can play any role on Lakers
LeBron James can play any role on Lakers (Image via Underdog/X)

Then, if he were to retire, that would stick with him for eternity. Instead, the four-time league MVP should stick to the West Coast, and particularly the team he already plays for.

Sure, he may not be able to command a max salary. The Lakers will not have the space to do so if they are to add more pieces to help him win his fifth title.

But if he stays, the blame will not be on him if the franchise struggles again. That was evident this postseason when the oldest player in the league was spared of any blame despite their embarrassing 0-4 exit at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Even though some tried to create that narrative, most pointed their fingers at GM Rob Pelinka for the sheer lack of talent when compared to the defending champions. Therefore, any further mishaps will not be James’ fault.

RELATED
LeBron James Can Play Until 45, Says Kendrick Perkins After Stellar Performances in Playoffs

Kobe Bryant’s fifth title forced Dwyane Wade to call LeBron James

LeBron James has four rings and is still trying to win his fifth, with which he would match the late great Kobe Bryant‘s achievement. When Dwyane Wade sat down to speak with other Hall of Famers, he revealed how the Mamba’s last title led to him creating the Heatles.

I cut my TV off as soon as Kobe ran and grabbed that ball… LeBron… So, what are you going to do? That was our summer free agency. They were dominating. Kobe was winning all these rings, I was like, ‘Hold on. Now he’s got five, and we got one?’

Dwyane Wade said on the SKWeek Show

This means that not only did the Lakers’ great inspire James and Wade to team up along with Chris Bosh to win two championships, but he also inspired the former Cavaliers’ superstar to join his team in 2018.

Also Read: