LeBron in new world of lower hopes

— -- OAKLAND, Calif. -- For once LeBron James can just play basketball, unburdened by expectations or pressure. Kyrie Irving has a fractured left kneecap and is done, and so are the Cavaliers' chances to win the NBA Finals. You can't reasonably expect the Cavaliers to beat the league's best team, the Golden State Warriors, with Irving and the previously injured Kevin Love out. LeBron's off the hook.

There's only upside left for him. If the Cavaliers lose, you can't pin this on LeBron. But if the Warriors remain intact, and the Cavaliers win, it will be one of the greatest achievements in the history of the NBA. They'd have to make an extra Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP trophy for LeBron as well as an additional ring, because this would count double.