Tyron Lue: The Cavaliers version of James is his real peak, not in the Heat

According to US sports media F/W reporter Vishvesha Kumar. When it comes to James' legendary career, the endless debate has always been which version of him is the greatest: Miami or Cleveland. For Tyron Lue, who coached at some of James' most iconic moments in Cleveland, the answer is clear. Lu appeared on Club Shay Shay show, explaining why he thought the Cleveland years, especially between 2015 and 2018, were the peak of LeBron.

"The year after Carey left we went to the finals...He was very efficient in Miami, but I didn't have the chance to watch the game the way I wanted. Of course, you know, you can't see every game, but he did in Cleveland. His time in Cleveland, I think that was his best. That year, 16, 17, we were back in the finals. We played against KD for the first time. Like that season, I think it was one of the best seasons, like you said, they had one of the best seasons ever. And then I don't remember what that playoff was. His playoff results, that was probably the best playoff results. That was 18. That time, that 15 to 18 Aged, I think it might be his best basketball.”

Considering James' dominance in Miami, it's a bold statement. From 2010 to 2014, LeBron redefined efficiency and dominance on both sides of the offense and defense. In four seasons, he averaged 26.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game, shooting 54.3% from the field and 36.9% from the field. Those years brought him two MVPs, two Finals MVPs, two championships and four consecutive NBA Finals. Miami LeBron is an unstoppable force that blends size, speed and power in a way the league has never seen before.

However, Lu believes that Cleveland LeBron is something different, a version that combines major athleticism with a sharp basketball IQ and complete control of the game. From 2014 to 2018, during his second time with the Cavaliers, James averaged 26.1 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8 assists per game. He was selected to the NBA All-A-Team for four consecutive times, making it to the Finals every year and most importantly, he brought his first championship to Cleveland in 2016. That Finals, where he led the Cavaliers back from a 3-1 trailing back to the 73-win Golden State Warriors, remains one of the most famous feats in NBA history.

Lu highlighted the 2018 playoff journey further proves his point. With Irving leaving and Love's injury battle, James led a tired Cavaliers into the Finals, averaging 34 points, 9.1 rebounds and 9 assists per game in the playoffs. His performances include memorable moments: a winning goal against Toronto, a masterpiece of Boston’s Game 7, and an iconic 51-point outbreak against the Warriors in Game 1 of the Finals. It's a game driven by pure willpower, proving that he can still dominate at the highest level without stacked supporting roles. In the end, the debate will continue to be fierce. Miami LeBron may be the most efficient and unstoppable physical fitness, while Cleveland LeBron is the most complete, an all-round master who can carry the team on his shoulders. Tyron Lue, who had been in the front seats of some of LeBron's greatest victories, made his choice: The Cleveland years were the true peak of King James. What do you think?