One on Five Doesn't Win Championships
I guess the Cavs have tried.
They did a couple of different shakeups during the year, trying to get Lebron some help. Somehow, even with that effort, Lebron is the only good player on the team.
Kyrie is gone - a HUGE loss for the Cavs. Kevin Love can't seem to figure out if he's any good or not.
So do the Cavs have a chance?
Can Lebron Carry the Team?
Certainly Lebron has the ability to put up ridiculous numbers of points in a game. If he was a little more Westbrook, he would have 50+ a game every single time.
He's had an MVP-type season (although the haters will never admit it), but he hasn't gotten the help he needs.
The Cavs won Game 4, with Lebron contributing 32 points and the next closest Cav, Kyle Korver, giving only 18. When the best of your teammates can only contribute 50% of your points, what chance do you have?
If this was a different league, then Lebron could carry the team. If the East was the whole league, for instance. But with powerhouses like the Warriors in the West, there's no chance Lebron can do it alone.
An Inconsistent Supporting Cast
Who does Lebron have alongside him?
The best players on the Cavs right now are Kyle Korver, JR Smith, and Kevin Love. Are they contributing?
Unfortunately all of these guys are very streaky shooters. When they are on - especially if one or more of them is on during the same game - the Cavs are absolutely unstoppable. That hasn't been the case in the playoffs. They've been off, and it's not a good situation.
Even Kevin Love, who traditionally hits 20 points a game, has been plagued with injuries and only scored 5 points in Game 4. He's hot and cold - and lately, it's been pretty cold.
Let's talk defense. Or maybe not, because there's nothing to talk about. The Cavs are AWFUL on D. Jeff Green might be the best defender, and he's a bench player. They haven't improved in this area, and it's unlikely they will while Lebron is in Cleveland.
Matching Suits is Not Enough
I love that Lebron tries to build team unity with gifts and matching outfits. I love that he wants to trust his team and spends a lot of time passing the ball.
Unfortunately, those things are not going to win the championship in 2018. Lebron would need to go full-Westbrook, keep the ball, and get his points for the Cavs to have a chance. Even that might not be enough. And it isn't going to happen.
Maybe next year, Lebron.