Factory Of Sadness
FanSided

Despite Cavs being a better team, LeBron James and the Lakers are selling more jerseys in Ohio

By Chad Porto

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers takes a shot against Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the fourth quarter at Staples Center on October 29, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers takes a shot against Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the fourth quarter at Staples Center on October 29, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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The Cleveland Cavaliers remain in LeBron James’ shadow.

The Cleveland Cavaliers can’t seem to get out of LeBron James’ shadow. Despite being a playoff team for the first time since 1998 without James on the roster, the team still has to deal with the constant conversations revolving around him and his desire to return to Cleveland before he hands up his sneakers.

It’s a conversation no one in Cleveland really wants to deal with. After all, James is a great basketball player, but he’ll always be known as the guy who ran when a situation got tough. That’s not being a “hater”, that’s pointing out the truth. The truth isn’t kind, but it is honest.

James is likely done with the Lakers after next season and may want to return to Cleveland. We’ve already talked about why the Cavaliers should walk away from that idea, but we have one more reason why the Cavs should want to distance themselves from “that kid from Akron”.

The Cleveland Cavaliers need a post-LeBron James identity sooner than later

When Ohio as a whole would rather root for James and the Lakers over their in-state team, that’s troubling. It’s also a sign that if the Cavs want to regain their identity and become a team that isn’t associated with James at every turn and in every other conversation, they have to do so without him eventually.

It’s like a parent finally letting their kid go on that overnight camping trip for the first time, or the bird parent kicking the little bird baby out of the nest. Eventually, you have to forge your own identity.

The Cavs are in a position where they have three great, young, talented, and likable budding stars. They deserve the opportunity to grow, develop and become household names. Adding James to that mixture may make sense for some, be it economically or team-improvement sense but if this team and these stars are ever going to be among the most popular, they have to be able to do it without the specter of James hovering over them.

This team is ready to try this on their own. Let them.

Next. It sounds like the Cavaliers don’t want LeBron James back. dark

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