It's the toughest year for 1-seeds because they don't get home court advantage in a single series.
Not sure how it's a win-win for LBJ stans. His legacy depends on his accumulated accomplishments, he either adds to that or he doesn't. If he loses, how does that help him at all?
If their opponent wasn’t a beat up Portland team that killed themselves just to make a play-in game, I would agree. However, having no home court advantage IS a legit obstacle and I give Lebron and the Lakers props for handling business the way a 1 seed should/would if they did have home court.
You also have to look at “outside influences” (which were first brought up by the Lakers). Guys not wanting to be there in the first place, guys getting kicked out the bubble, and a lame duck coach ready to move on. This was their second round opponent, though no fault of their own.
Now they’re heavy favorites against a team that they should beat in 5-6 games.
If he loses, it won’t be held against him (like his other 6 finals losses besides Dallas
), and if he wins it’ll be the hardest ring a superstar has ever had to win.