LeBron James’ legacy is defined by his consistency, resilience, and ability to elevate his teams to the highest levels of competition. In a fascinating trend, every time one of LeBron James‘ teams has opened the season with two consecutive wins, he has ultimately guided them to the NBA Finals.
As the 2024-25 season unfolds, the Lakers’ 2-0 start against the Timberwolves and the Suns signals potential for another historic run. Here’s a look back at the other times LeBron’s teams have achieved this strong start and gone on to the Finals.
Cleveland Cavaliers 2006-07: The First Finals Run
In the 2006-07 season, the Cleveland Cavaliers opened with wins over the Washington Wizards and San Antonio Spurs. LeBron was just beginning to emerge as a dominant force, and his 50-32 Cavaliers finished the season second in the Eastern Conference. As the playoffs began, LeBron led his team through rounds against the Wizards and the Nets, showing flashes of his ability to carry a team in tough battles.
However, it was the Eastern Conference Finals against the Detroit Pistons that truly defined this season for LeBron and the Cavs. In Game 5, often hailed as one of the greatest playoff performances in NBA history, LeBron scored 48 points, including the last 25 for his team, to clinch a double-overtime victory that helped propel the Cavs past Detroit.
This electrifying series led Cleveland to their first-ever NBA Finals. Although the Cavs were ultimately swept by the Spurs, this season solidified LeBron as a transcendent talent, capable of taking his team to the Finals despite being outmatched.
Miami Heat 2011-12: Redemption And LeBron’s First Ring
In the 2011-12 season, LeBron’s second year with the Miami Heat, the team opened the lockout-shortened season on a tear, winning their first five games, including victories over the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics. LeBron and the Heat, who were coming off a disappointing Finals loss to the Mavericks the previous season, had much to prove. Miami finished second in the East with a 46-20 record and looked strong entering the playoffs.
The Eastern Conference Finals posed a serious threat to the Heat’s championship aspirations, as they fell behind 3-2 to the Boston Celtics. Facing elimination, LeBron delivered one of the most iconic performances of his career in Game 6, scoring 45 points and grabbing 15 rebounds in a dominating display that saved the Heat’s season. Miami went on to win Game 7, setting up a Finals matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
This time, LeBron and the Heat seized the moment, defeating the Thunder in five games and capturing LeBron’s first NBA championship. The season was one of redemption, and it marked the beginning of LeBron’s championship success.
Cleveland Cavaliers 2016-17: The Dominant Playoff Run
After winning the championship in 2016, LeBron and the Cavaliers entered the 2016-17 season with high expectations. The Cavs started the season with six straight wins, including victories over the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors. Cleveland finished second in the Eastern Conference with a 51-31 record, showing they were ready to defend their title.
LeBron’s Cavs dominated the Eastern Conference in the playoffs, losing only one game before reaching the Finals. However, they faced a Golden State Warriors team bolstered by the addition of Kevin Durant. Despite a valiant effort from LeBron, the Cavs were outmatched and lost the Finals in five games. Nevertheless, LeBron’s ability to reach the Finals yet again solidified his status as one of the all-time greats, and this season added another chapter to his historic rivalry with the Warriors.
Cleveland Cavaliers 2017-18: The Last Stand
LeBron’s 2017-18 season with the Cavaliers began with victories over the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks. Though the Cavs finished fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 50-32 record, LeBron’s experience and leadership carried them through an unpredictable playoff journey. The Cavaliers’ path to the Finals was far from easy. They were pushed to seven games by the Indiana Pacers in the first round and faced elimination multiple times.
In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Cavs battled the Celtics, who pushed them to a seven-game series. LeBron’s brilliance was on full display as he willed his team to victory, clinching a trip to the Finals in what many expected to be his final year in Cleveland. Unfortunately, the Cavs faced the Warriors yet again, who swept them in four games. Despite the outcome, LeBron’s playoff run that year was legendary, and it showcased his enduring will to compete.
2024-25 Los Angeles Lakers: Another Promising Start?
The 2024-25 season has started on a high note for LeBron and the Los Angeles Lakers, marking the first time in 13 years that the Lakers have opened with a 2-0 record. Their victories against the Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns hint at a potentially deep run. Now 39 years old, LeBron remains determined to lead the Lakers back to the Finals, buoyed by Anthony Davis and an energized supporting cast. His longevity and dedication to excellence continue to inspire, as he aims to defy age and add another chapter to his storied career.
While the Lakers’ early season success is promising, it’s only the beginning. LeBron’s previous track record with a 2-0 start could bode well for a Finals run, but challenges remain. If LeBron stays healthy and the Lakers build on their strong start, they could indeed find themselves competing for another title.
In each of these previous campaigns, LeBron’s drive and leadership have turned strong starts into Finals appearances. The 2024-25 season will be an exciting test to see if history repeats itself once again. As LeBron looks to cap his remarkable career, every game matters, and the Lakers’ 2-0 start may be a sign of great things to come.
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