One of the more intriguing subplots of the NBA Finals is the vague and cryptic secret motivation of LeBron James.
After the Cleveland Cavaliers won Game 2 over the Golden State Warriors this past Sunday, James claimed he had “some other motivation that I won’t talk about right now” when it comes to what’s driving him to try and win a title. Since saying this, the internet has gone wild trying to figure out just what the heck he’s referring to.
Is it the idea of cementing his legacy by dragging a team without two of its All-Stars to the finish line? Is it some sort of challenge from Miami Heat President Pat Riley, with whom James may or may not have left on unfriendly terms? Is it the drive to prove that, even though Steph Curry won the MVP this season, James is still the best player in the NBA?
All of these and more have been floated around as the possible reasoning behind James’ veiled motivation. In some way or another, they’re all valid. At the same time, these are all for the most part relatively unsurprising, and wouldn’t really be worth this much secrecy on James’ part.
So, let’s try and see if we can dive a little deeper into what James may be referring to. To me, one of the more curious possibilities for this motivation may somehow revolve around one of James’ former Heat teammates.
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