81. "both the Warriors & LeBron have been elevated by the rivalry." In response to In response to 80
LeBron's legacy experienced meteoric rise after 2016 - which featured the most historic (and improbable) NBA Title in league history. Had it not been for the all-time, talent-stacked Warrior team that LeBron toppled, his legacy would not be where it is today.
The Warriors are obviously in the pantheon of all-time great teams - and arguably are the greatest team ever assembled. It is in that context that LeBron's legacy has been solidified as he has been the underdog in every matchup, as every single sane analyst recognizes. As such, the fact that he has been competitive against the Warriors against the odds has only served to elevate his stature.
For the Warriors - they have also been elevated simply be beating LeBron in the Finals. Since the Cavs were such drastic underdogs, the Warriors needed the narrative of beating the greatest player in the game a top-2 GOAT in order to elevate their dynastic legacy.
All that being said - the rivalry isn't done. Let's see what happens in the next 4 years.