What if lebron never left cleveland

He would have definitely tipped the odds in the favor of the Cavaliers and they could have won the title in 6 games. One more in the bag. Coming off a title, the Cavaliers would have avoided drafting one of the biggest busts of all time. In this year, the only threat to the team in the Eastern Conference — had LeBron James remained there — was the Pacers. While it would have been a great match up, the Cavaliers would still probably have the edge in experience and win in 6 or 7 games.

Notably, Wade was hurt and Bosh was nonexistent when the Heat battled the Spurs originally. Therefore, a theoretical healthy and productive Cavaliers squad with Irving and Green would have been a better boost for James. Looking at it from this perspective, the Cavaliers would have had a realistic shot to win another title in 7 games.

Nevertheless, they would have made it to the NBA Finals yet again. But this time would be different. Eventually, the Cavaliers would lose altogether in Game 6. Looking back, LeBron James could have experienced more success if only he stayed in Cleveland. Overall, James still had a remarkable career with such a compelling story.

Did The Decision taint James' legacy forever? It's fun to imagine how things might have played out differently had LeBron announced he was staying in Cleveland around this time four years ago. Today, as we begin our wait for LeBron's new decision about whether to stay in Miami or head elsewhere, let's imagine how it all might have played out if LeBron's decision had been different the first time around.

I'm not going to tell you for certain what would have happened. I'm just going to share with you one possible course of events that could have happened had James tipped the dominoes in a different direction.

Turn back the clocks to July 8, Twenty-five-year-old Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James is about to make an announcement that could drastically change the landscape of the NBA Kids come join LeBron on stage wearing No. The entire television special becomes a big pep rally for the city of Cleveland, making the city look cooler than it has ever looked before.

Overall, The Decision is very well received by fans and media. Despite this, LeBron takes a pay cut on his new contract with the Cavs, hoping that by clearing up some cap space, they will have an easier time attracting elite players to complement the LeBron Show.

With urging from LeBron James, the Cavaliers decided to hold on to second-round pick Danny Green, who James believes can develop into a solid role player, and with whom he has developed chemistry on and off the court during the summer. Green benefits from James' guidance and begins to show slow but steady signs of improvement in his all-around game.

Without many other options in the Cavs' aging rotation, LeBron leads the league in scoring and turns in another dominant season. Anderson Varejao proves to be a key contributor off the bench. Green shows flashes of brilliance, but plays very limited minutes and is not a major contributor. James' huge year brings him a third consecutive MVP trophy.

Critics call it his most complete season yet, and credit his hard work throughout the season and the offseason. James starts showing signs of becoming a more versatile, dominant player. The Cavaliers soar through the first two rounds of the playoffs but run into trouble against the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals, led by star point guard Derrick Rose and a sensational supporting cast that features Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah.

Despite a superstar performance from LeBron, the Bulls' multi-faceted attack proves too much for the one-man Cavaliers. Another premature exit for Cleveland leaves the basketball universe wondering when LeBron will finally get his Scottie Pippen.

Consensus is that O'Neal is too old to contribute substantially, and Mo Williams won't be enough to help LeBron get the Cavs over the hump. The media and fans sympathize with LeBron.

The world is rooting for him, hoping he eventually catches a break. The series proves to be a mismatch in favor of the Bulls, who win it all in six. This sends a message to the league: The Mavericks' winning formula—building a team of solid veterans around a single superstar, Dirk Nowitzki—is no longer enough to get it done in the NBA.

The Bulls won the title because they packaged multiple stars into one lineup and figured out how to use them together. Motivated by the early exit, LeBron spends the offseason working hard to expand his game and become an even more dominant player. He specifically focuses on improving his post play, working extensively with Hall of Fame center Hakeem Olajuwon.

The Clippers, owners of the first-overall pick in the draft, try to shop the selection but can't find a good offer. The Cavaliers opt not to trade for the top pick, as they are in win-now mode and not in position to give up multiple key role players.

The Clippers decide to hold on to the pick and select Duke point guard Kyrie Irving, hoping he can form a dynamic duo with emerging star Blake Griffin. The Cavaliers nab Jimmy Butler at the end of the first round, hoping to bring some much-needed depth to the team. Chris Paul announces he has no intention to return to the New Orleans Hornets after his contract is up after the season, so the Hornets decide to shop Paul for some long-term value.

The Clippers, of course, are not interested in acquiring Paul, as they are happy with Irving at point guard. The Cavaliers become prime suitors for the Hornets star. Hoping to team up with King James to win a title, Paul is excited about heading to Cleveland. The Cavs and Hornets complete a trade that sends Mo Williams and multiple first- and second-round draft picks to New Orleans in exchange for Paul.