For many NBA fans, LeBron James returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers and delivering a championship felt like the perfect full-circle story — a hometown hero coming back to finish what he started. It’s the kind of moment that’s been replayed so many times it almost feels untouchable in basketball history.
Recently, comments from former Cavaliers GM David Griffin stirred up fresh debate about just how difficult the path really was in the Eastern Conference during LeBron’s peak. And as fans began reacting online, it quickly became clear that this wasn’t just about history. It was about legacy, context and how people remember one of the league’s most iconic runs.
Advertisement
Los Angeles Lakers stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic interact during a game.Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)
While speaking on the “BIGPLAY Cleveland” show on YouTube, Griffin shared his thoughts on LeBron’s time with the Cavs in his second stint and why it was easier for him to win a ring.
“One of the things that we benefited from was that we were in a historically bad Eastern Conference,” Griffin said. “All through those years, we really knew the target is the Western Conference teams. There was nobody in the East that was really going to be in the way.”
Advertisement
Needless to say, Griffin’s comments did not sit well with fans who saw the situation in a different light.
A fan said, “Griffin still yapping about LeBron after failing being the Pels GM.”
Another fan added, “smh. There goes your LeBron reunion down the drain.”
Calling out Griffin for his statement, a fan pointed out, “saying the Eastern Conference was weak after you won with LeBron is basically ‘the job was easy’ after getting fired.”
Pointing out the obvious, a fan said, “So how come the cavs [couldn ‘t] benefit from a historically bad eastern conference anytime he wasn’t there?”
Advertisement
“Wooooooooowwwwww. He doesn’t realize this makes him look sooooooo bad as a GM lol,” commented a fan.
These comments come at a time when speculation around James just won’t stop. After the Los Angeles Lakers added Luka Doncic, rumors grew about a possible split and reports linking him to a possible homecoming with the Cavaliers. A final run back home? Maybe. For now, James, Doncic and the Lakers are focused on making a run this season — in the West.
Related: NBA Announces LeBron James History Amid 23rd Season
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.