How LeBron fits into the myth of Lakers exceptionalism
For so long, until reality stomped them into the cellar, the Lakers believed they were separate from and above other franchises. At the top again, does the myth survive?
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FIRST ENCOUNTER
Victor Wembanyama arrived plenty long ago. The defending champs met him in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, and were introduced to the concept of their own demise.
Goodbye, 60-win Cinderella
There's no team more dangerous than Cleveland in Game 7 of a series they should have won in six.
The Spurs will make you give up
Anthony Edwards calls it early. Meanwhile, James Harden's flop sweat creating disaster is a good symbol of Cleveland's Game 6 no-show.
The enigma of Jim
James Harden with one of the strangest winning performances in memory. Meanwhile, Jalen Duren might have played himself out of the starting lineup and Tony Brothers is going to be persona non grata in Detroit.