RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 3 sourcesLeBron James is one of the greatest basketball players in NBA history. Throughout his 23 seasons, James has won four championships, made 10 NBA Finals appearances, and has also played on many different teams with countless different players.
However, not every team LeBron has been a part of has performed well. Whether it was a lack of talent around him, injuries, or poor team chemistry, some teams were a bit underwhelming. With LeBron joining his fifth different franchise in Philadelphia, here are the five worst teams he has played on during his NBA career.
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5. 2014-15 Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron’s first season back in Cleveland, and the Cavaliers were built for success. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love joined James, but injuries completely derailed their season.
Love was injured before the playoffs, and Irving suffered an injury during the Finals. This left LeBron to carry the team against the Golden State Warriors. This ultimately ended in a loss.
4. 2009-10 Cleveland Cavaliers
May 9, 2009; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) goes in for a dunk against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter of game four of the eastern conference semifinals at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine for the Akron Beacon Journal via USA TODAY Sports Despite finishing 61-21, this Cavaliers team was disappointing. It was the final season before LeBron left Cleveland for Miami. The roster had no superstars alongside James, and the lack of a supporting cast led to their demise.
LeBron led the team in almost every statistical category and carried Cleveland to the Eastern Conference Semifinals before falling short.
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3. 2018-19 Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron’s first season in Los Angeles did not go as planned. Before the Lakers acquired Anthony Davis, the roster around James was not good enough to compete in the Western Conference.
LeBron missed significant time due to injury. When he played, the Lakers went 28-27, but without him they struggled, going 9-18.
2. 2003-04 Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron James answers questions from throng of media members gathered at Gund Arena after he worked out for former Cavaliers head coach Paul Silas and the team on June 20, 2003. LeBron’s first NBA season ended in a Rookie of the Year award, but the Cavaliers struggled throughout the season, finishing 35-47.
Outside of LeBron, Cleveland lacked a true supporting cast. The young star immediately became the face of the franchise, but he had little help around him as he adjusted to the NBA.
1. 2021-22 Los Angeles Lakers
The 2021-22 Lakers entered the season with championship expectations after acquiring Russell Westbrook to join LeBron and Anthony Davis. However, Westbrook’s ball-dominant style didn’t mesh well with Lebron and AD’s playstyle’
LeBron and Davis played just 21 games together due to injuries, while the roster lacked depth throughout the season. The team finished 33-49 and missed the playoffs.
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