“We were probably the best team in the league just because we were on some bulls**t" - Former NBA champion blames Cavaliers' unsynchronized efforts for championship loss

LeBron James led the Cleveland Cavaliers to several NBA Finals appearances but struggled to go all the way. Richard Jefferson believes they lost the 2017 finals because they were on "some bulls**t."

The Brooklyn Nets have been in the headlines for about a week for various reasons. Amidst all the off-court drama, they have struggled to win games.

"On Road Trippin'," the issue of the Nets was discussed. Jefferson highlighted that it is difficult to win games during the regular season, using the 2016-17 Cleveland Cavaliers as an example.

Meanwhile, his point was centered around how difficult it can be to win during the regular season, especially if the team is not playing as a cohesive unit. He said:

(From 45:10)

"My point is that we barely won 50 games, and we were probably the best team in the league just because we were on some bulls**t. So, I’m saying it’s hard to win games. It’s hard to win games. We had the best player in the world on our team and all this s**t. But if you can’t move as a cohesive unit, it is one of the worst experiences that you can be a part of in sports."

Many have confirmed that LeBron James does not go all out during the regular season. LA Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy recently admitted to watching James coast through the regular season but switched things up in the playoffs.

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The Cleveland Cavaliers won one championship in four attempts with LeBron James

LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers holds the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy in 2016

The Cavaliers' most successful season was with James. Since the 18-time All-Star left the team in 2018, they have not made it to the playoffs.

James was determined to bring a championship to Cleveland, and he delivered on his promise. He could have delivered more, but overcoming the Golden State Warriors was an arduous task.

The Cavs squared off against the Warriors for four consecutive years from 2015. In those four meetings, the Cavs managed only one victory.

Nonetheless, their only series victory was record-breaking. The 2015-16 Cavs became the first team in league history to overturn a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals. They also prevented the 73-9 Warriors from being the undisputed best team in NBA history.

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Will James return to Cleveland?

LeBron James of the LA Lakers

James started his career with the Cavaliers, and many are hopeful he retires with the team. Former teammate Kevin Love believes LBJ's statue will be erected in Cleveland. He is also hopeful the four-time NBA champ will retire with the Cavs.

The Lakers captain has not made any comment on where he would like to retire. In fact, retirement is not in his plans at the moment as he recently signed a deal with the Lakers until 2025.

James has expressed his desire to play with his son Bronny before he retires. That might play a role in where he plays next if he leaves the Lakers.

As things stand, LBJ is focused on leading the Lakers to another championship run. He is also oncourse to becoming the NBA's all-time leading scorer.