LeBron James’ legacy fading in NBA Finals

Some people define their legacy late in life. LeBron James stepped into the spotlight early with seemingly unlimited potential, and at age 31, he arrived for this NBA Finals with something more to prove.

He still can prove it, but only if he can find a way to overcome a 32-0 trend.

James has been able to consistently lead his teams to within shouting distance of the mountaintop, but rarely over the top, and it’s beginning to appear that will define his career. He’s one of the 10 greatest players in NBA history, but certainly not No. 1 and probably not in the top five.

“In theory, LeBron’s legacy is still evolving,” said Bernie Fratto, ESPN Radio host in Las Vegas. “But it might be unraveling. And it’s complicated to say the least.”

James was an underdog in the Finals last year and again this year, so it’s not an embarrassment if his Cleveland Cavaliers come up short. But this would be his fifth defeat in seven Finals appearances, and it’s tough to put a positive spin on that record.

The Golden State Warriors have the odds on their side. Teams leading 3-1 in the Finals are 32-0 all time, and the Warriors have lost back-to-back games only once all season.

In theory, Cleveland blew it by losing Game 4 on its home floor Friday, when Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson finally showed up and shot down the Cavaliers in the second half. Golden State is a minus-2,000 favorite to take the championship.

“It’s going to be really, really tough for the Cavs to win,” Sunset Station sports book director Chuck Esposito said. “Golden State has been so dominant at home. It’s a little scary that Curry and Thompson got going again.”

The picture turned slightly brighter for the Cavaliers on Sunday. The NBA suspended Warriors forward Draymond Green for Monday’s game, issuing him a flagrant foul for swiping at James’ groin during a scuffle in Game 4. Green deserved the punishment, because a hit below the belt is a man-code crime, and it was the second time Green did it in the playoffs. The line on Game 5 dropped to 5½ after opening as high as 8.

“I think Golden State has enough to win without Green,” Esposito said.

Fratto (BernieFratto.com) wisely picked the Warriors in five games before the series, and he’s sticking with the pick.

“Game 5 will be the rubber stamp, the exclamation point for Golden State, as its defensive chemistry and mastery will frustrate the Cavs,” Fratto said. “Yes, closeout games are tough, but I don’t see how you can back Cleveland in this spot.”

James, frustrated by the defensive efforts of Green and Andre Iguodala, has shot 3-for-12 from 3-point range with 19 turnovers in the past three games. He’s an incredible athlete who uses his powerful 6-foot-8-inch, 250-pound body to bull his way to the rim. But he has not finished often enough, and that’s a big problem.

“LeBron was driving to the hoop and making ill-advised passes,” Esposito said. “I think deep down he knows he’s not a great shooter. Does he really want the ball in his hands for the last shot?”

Michael Jordan, who went 6-0 in the Finals with the Chicago Bulls, was not a great long-range shooter, either, but Jordan always wanted the ball and the defense always feared him in the last five minutes.

“I don’t put LeBron in the same class with Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson or Larry Bird. I’m not sure I want LeBron to take the last shot,” Esposito said. “He’s a great player, no question about it. He still has time. He’s still a young player. He certainly can get back here again.”

In the weak Eastern Conference, James could get Cleveland back to the Finals again and again. He has been here six years in a row. He could make a minor statement Monday by beating a Golden State team down a starter.

“What appears to be looming even larger? The developing legacy of LeBron, who has morphed into a Shakespearean character,” Fratto said. “The joy in his game appears to be adrift. He’s not assertive in crunch time and he doesn’t seem to be in sync with his supporting cast. LeBron has been ineffective down the stretch and his decision-making has been questionable. Frankly, he looks past his prime, physically and emotionally.

“On one hand this prodigy, since 2003, has more than lived up to the hype with seven NBA Finals and two championships, yet his seemingly polarizing persona has created a personal dilemma. Is he merely a victim of his own success? During his odyssey since 2007, he’s been able to repeatedly will various rosters to reach higher plateaus prior to his arrival, only to fall short. Now, ostensibly, it will be five out of seven times.”

Jerry West, the NBA’s logo, went 1-8 in the Finals. As Fratto pointed out, Karl Malone, John Stockton, Patrick Ewing, Allen Iverson, Steve Nash and Kevin Durant would gladly settle for “only two titles.”

Fratto added, “The look on LeBron’s face during the postgame presser Friday proffered a look into his soul. He’s carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. Or at least the weight of Cleveland.”

It appears he will have to wait for next year.

Las Vegas Review-Journal sports betting columnist Matt Youmans can be reached at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907. He co-hosts “The Las Vegas Sportsline” weekdays at 2 p.m. on ESPN Radio (1100 AM). Follow on Twitter: @mattyoumans247