Back around 2010 when it had been firmly established that Lebron was in fact the basketball the king of his generation, the belief was that his main rival throughout the years would be KD, aka 'the second-best basketball player in the world'. They're similar in overall size and skill, and Durant, even if he wasn't a celebrity coming out of high school, is still like a generational talent. But that's not how things turned out. Instead, Lebron's closest rival is really Steph Curry, both of whom have four championships and have met in the Finals four straight years.
But there are major differences between LBJ and Steph besides for their physical features and playing styles. No one really knew who Steph was even coming out of college, only that he was Dell Curry's son, and Dell could shoot his ass off. No one knew how great Steph would be, not even Steph himself. If they did he probably would have behaved more like Lebron, i.e. getting max money from the jump and exerting his will over organizations. Instead, due to Curry for instance being underpaid earlier in his career, the Warriors were able to build a formidable team around him. And that's really the main difference between LBJ and Steph, that Steph is actually on 'a team', while Lebron has bounced around gathering whatever best teammates were available, a lot like a videogame.
King James may not have gotten eight or whatever championships he promised with the Heat, but if he had stuck around there's no reason not to believe they couldn't have won a couple more. But Lebron's real team though, where he was really in control, was the second time around with the Cavs. Kyrie had been the star of the squad for a few seasons prior, but it was clear, as great of a player as he is, that he couldn't take a mediocre roster to the Finals like Lebron. So even though he was the faithful vet in a way and LBJ the superstar who deserted the hometown team in a very-controversial manner, well, James did come back as a proven champion. So when he returned, Irving was instantly supplanted in the pecking order.
And I always say that Kyrie and Lebron are more alike than they are different, like LBJ is the big brother who fashioned the little brother's personality. For instance now you see that Kyrie also gives zero fucks about bouncing on a team he doesn't think is competitive or for whatever reason. There's this highlight video I once saw where Lebron deadass dunked on Kyrie, even though they were teammates at the time. And now, you see Kyrie too basically sh*tting on his teammates.
And like any little brother worth his salt, I believe Irving has influenced James also. For example it wouldn't be hard to believe that Lebron having become an outspoken player was inspired by Kyrie, who's perhaps the most don't-give-AF star the NBA has ever seen.
And the point I'm trying tp make here is that even though we appreciate the Lebron + Wade + Bosh years, LBJ's biggest accomplishment was winning a championship alongside Irving. I understand why he would want to play for the Lakers, but I also feel he should have stuck it out with the Cavs.
Remember that it was Kyrie who left first, and the rumor was always that Lebron's alpha attitude forced him out of town. I can believe that, but you know, dudes age and mature and get wiser. Steph has Klay and Draymond, and every year, barring injury, they're a threat to win the championship. Lebron could have played it cool and also had that type of stability in Cleveland, but remember, he was superstar even before entering the NBA. So it took some time for dude to really like humble himself and realize the value of continuity and having a steady superstar sidekick.
CONCLUSION
All of this is my way of saying that I do hope Kyrie ends up on the Lakers with Lebron. I can also see how Westbrook would actually benefit the Nets more than Irving, since he can do more things than Kyrie, and they need it all - like the rebounding and everything. But it would be kinda ironic that if that trade did happen, then Russell would be back with KD, another 2010s superstar tandem that some would say got f*cked up prematurely.
But that's not to say that I actually improve of the Lakers trading Westbrook for Kyrie. Outside of the initial emotional results, that would be like one step forward and two steps forward. Or ask yourself this - who's then coming off LAL's bench in Westbrook's place? And also, when LBJ and AD inevitably get hurt, the Lakers will likely suck even with Kyrie, and then he's going to be tempted to once again quit, like he's doing on the Nets.
But if nothing else, I just want to see Lebron feel secure, back with his little NBA brother. LBJ has probably played with more future hall of famers than any other superstar in NBA history. And these days, when he whines about losing, the fault is never his own. So I just want to see Kyrie go there so finally-finally Lebron, in his old age, can't have any more excuses. And it will also finally be proven if their connection is one that could have won multiple championships like the main rivals of their day, the Dubs.
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