These 2018 playoffs have been a rollercoaster ride for the Cleveland Cavaliers, to say the least. From the grueling 7 game series against the Pacers, to the more recognizable dominant sweep of the Raptors, the Cavaliers have been streaky and inconsistent. This describes their regular season and postseason. The one constant has been the greatness of LeBron James. His play and training is proportional to his increasing age. Superhuman efforts have fueled the Cavaliers to the Eastern Conference Finals once again. However, the mileage accumulated from 4 consecutive Eastern Conference Finals trips and 7 straight finals trips may not be getting to LeBron, but to his teammates.

The scrappy and gritty Celtics have proved to be formidable to the Cavs, and once again, inconsistency has plagued the Cavs offense and lack of motivation may have contributed to the downfall of the Cavs defense. SNL nailed it on comical portrayals of what the other Cavaliers might as well have been doing instead of helping LeBron on the court. After all, basketball is 5 vs 5, not 1 vs 5. It seems as if the Cavs in the 2018 postseason have grown accustomed for too much reliance on LeBron to bail them out. How might this reflect on LeBron’s thoughts for the impending free agency? After all, LeBron prioritized winning for his future. The pieces around him surely don’t seem like they can help him compete for a championship for the next few years. Sometimes a monster effort from one player may not be enough as evidence from Game 2 against the Celtics.

LeBron may be feeling a slight wear and tear from playing in seven straight finals, but that hasn’t diminished his motivation and effort. Yet, he probably just wants help down the stretch to confirm that all the pressure is not on him to win. This makes the realization of how important Kyrie was in the 3 previous postseasons for the Cavs. Kevin Love has been visible and invisible throughout this postseason, and there is clearly no third option behind him. JR Smith? After 0 points in Game 2 of the ECF, I don’t think so. The new players acquired from the trade on Feb. 8? There hasn’t been a significant effort to sway the Cavs over the top. This Cavs team is much weaker than the one that steamrolled through the East the past several years, regardless of what seed they were, or which other East foe was playing lights out.

Down 2-0, LeBron needs help to reach his 8^th finals, but this hasn’t happened all the time in the 2018 playoffs. Eventually, the circumstances of no consistent players, failure to attract big free agents, need for change of scenery, not needing to owe anything to Cleveland, and desire to join other stars to win may urge him to take his talents elsewhere.