With their 113-109 win over the Detroit Pistons Saturday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers have clinched their first .500 season without LeBron James since the 1997-98 season. Their latest victory puts the Cavs at 41 wins on the season, a number that few expected this team to reach this season. Expectations for Cleveland were not high as they have mostly stumbled in their second post-LeBron era. This breakout has to promise for the long term future of this team while providing excitement currently.
Interestingly enough when the Cavs have the opportunity to go above .500 this season, they also have the chance to secure a below .500 record the team they are matched up against, the Lakers. Los Angeles has 41 losses on the season, clinging to their hopes for the play-in tournament. The fact that the Cavaliers can secure a winning season while handing the Lakers a losing one on the same night presents quite the interesting back drop to their late season matchup. Cleveland clinching a winning record without LeBron on the roster for the first time in nearly a quarter century with a win against James’ Lakers would be incredibly poetic.
