LeBron James makes his pick of favorite NBA championship, talks burden of shouldering five decade-long drought

LeBron James fielded some tough questions from the Kelce brothers on the latest edition of the "New Heights" podcast on Wednesday. During the fascinating episode, James discusses a range of topics related to the sports world, the LA Lakers, former teammates, his son Bronny and his legacy.

Travis and Jason Kelce were born and raised in Ohio and grew up big fans of "King James." Like James, the Cleveland Heights natives suffered though decades of watching the local sports teams missing out on championships.

When Jason Kelce asked LeBron James where the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers championship ranked among his four titles, the four-time MVP opened up on how special it was to bring a title to the city (28:15):

"We all remember our first one. And we know the feeling that we had when we won our first one because of all the disappointment before that. All the hard work, dedication, the things that people don't see ... and then you're able to prevail.

"But man there is nothing better for me than that Cleveland one. The 50 plus years of no championship for Northeast Ohio. The seven years I was there beforehand. You saw me crying on the court. That's one year I will never forget. 2016, it was an unbelievable time."

James also touched on the pressure that came along with breaking the city's 52-year championship drought.

"I wasn't alive yet, why do I get this pressure," James joked.

Cleveland's loyal fanbase had to deal with a series of false dawns before the Cavaliers finally broke the curse. Prior to 2016 Cavs, the city had not experienced a champion since a Jim Brown-led Cleveland Browns team defeated the Baltimore Colts in the 1964 NFL championship game.

Over his illustrious 22-year career, LeBron James has won four rings with three different franchises. His last championship came with the Lakers in 2020.

LeBron James discusses historic comeback win against Golden State Warriors in 2016 finals

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James dribbles against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) at Staples Center. Photo Credit: Imagn

The 2016 NBA finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors was one of the most memorable in recent history with numerous intriguing storylines and turning points throughout the series.

The matchup featured some of the game's most talented stars and pitted LeBron James against Steph Curry in a blockbuster must-watch matchup.

In his recent appearance on the "New Heights" podcast, James discussed taking on Steph Curry & Co., overcoming a historic Warriors team, and Cleveland's fightback to turn the series around:

"Being down 3-1 with the greatest team. 73-9 Warriors with Steph, Klay and Draymond. And coming back and winning that series for the city of Cleveland, for Northeast Ohio. That is why you saw the emotion."

Cleveland's win after trailing 3-1 was the biggest comeback in NBA finals history and was the Cavaliers' first-ever title.