Why the LeBron James Lakers rumors will never come to be

2. LeBron has no reason to want to join the Western Conference

LeBron James has played in the Eastern Conference his entire career and that is a large factor in why he has made seven straight NBA Finals appearances. The Eastern Conference has been an absolute cakewalk, just look at the teams that LeBron has had to face in the Eastern Conference Finals.

In 2011 James and the superteam Miami Heat squared off against a Derrick Rose-led Chicago Bulls. As good as Rose was before injury, the roster was just not deep enough to keep up with the big three in Miami.

In 2012 they faced the aging Boston Celtics, who were at the end of their “big three” era. To the Celtics credit, though, they did take the Heat to seven games. In 2013 it went seven games again, however, this time it was against a Paul George and Lance Stevenson led Indiana Pacers. Still not much of a huge challenge. 2014 was the same matchup and lasted six games.

Then, back in Cleveland, James has faced the Hawks, Raptors and Celtics; all three combining to win three games in those series. On the other hand, considering James’ finals record, if he played in the West he would have only made three of those seven Finals.

The easiest path to the Finals is in the East. As good as Kyrie Irving and the Celtics are and as well as the Raptors have been playing, the Cavaliers turn it up a notch in the playoffs and will handle those teams easily. The same cannot be said for the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors.