CLEVELAND (AP) – For LeBron James, his homecoming season with the Cavaliers went up, down and sometimes sideways, like three seasons rolled into one.
The fourth is about to begin. The only one that matters.
James has his sights set on another NBA title, and if he can capture it over the next two months, he’ll not only crown his brilliant career but end Cleveland’s title drought dating to 1964.
The pursuit begins Sunday when the Cavs open the Eastern Conference playoffs at home against Boston, a familiar opponent – and a fitting one – for James, who has played the Celtics 25 times in the postseason. James’ first stint in Cleveland ended with a loss to the Celtics in the second round, and as he stomped off the floor in Boston’s TD Garden after Game 6, he memorably yanked off his Cavaliers jersey, a final act before his exit to Miami.
“They beat us that series and it stuck with me a lot,” James said following Friday’s practice. “I’m looking forward to this series coming up.”