10 Years After Ray Allen’s “LeBron James Career Saving Shot”, JJ Redick Snubs Lakers And Cavs As ‘The King’s’ Best Team

A legit contender for the GOAT title, LeBron James has achieved several monumental feats across his illustrious 20-year-long career. While the King is often lauded for his durability on the court, people haven’t always given him his flowers for being the only player in history to win Finals MVPs with three different teams. Having been part of four different Championship teams, the panel of ESPN’s First Take recently discussed the best team LBJ has ever played in. The trio of Stephen A Smith, JJ Redick, and Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo all agreed on the same team: the 2012-2013 Miami Heat.

Despite leading the Heat to the franchise’s third title in 2013, critics have always referred to Ray Allen’s clutch three-pointer as ‘LeBron James’ Career Saving Shot’. However, the doubters conveniently choose to ignore the fact that the 6-foot-9 Forward had a great game, with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. Bron also had a spectacular fourth quarter performance, dropping 16 points and a much-needed three-pointer prior to Allen’s shot.

While the 2015-2016 Cavaliers managed to mount a historic comeback from a 1-3 deficit, the ESPN analysts snubbed the Cleveland side to name the 2013 Heat as the best LeBron team ever.

First Take analysts pick the 2013 Miami Heat as the best LeBron James team ever

On the latest episode of First Take, Smith started the conversation on LeBron James’ best team ever by selecting the 2013 Heat. Praising the Big Three of LBJ, D-Wade, and Bosh, Stephen A revealed loving the crew, ten years after Ray Allen took the game-winning shot:

“That’s hard. I’m gonna have to go with…Was it 2013, if I remember correctly? LeBron, D-Wade, Bosh, Ray Allen, they had a crew. I’m gonna have to go with that…I think LeBron was absolutely fantastic, I thought Ray Allen was obviously one of the elite shooters in the NBA… D-Wade was something special at that particular moment.”

Agreeing with each other for a change, Mad Dog and Redick also disclosed their admiration for the Heat squad. While Russo dismissed the greatness of the other three teams that James has won a championship with– the 2012 Heat, the 2016 Cavaliers, and the 2020 Lakers, JJ couldn’t stop raving about the 2013 Heat’s roster construction. The former Mavericks guard said during the ESPN broadcast:

“It’s 2013 to me. As you said, 66-16, that season. Having to beat the San Antonio Spurs and that dynasty… And also the roster construction that year in particular with Ray Allen, Shane Battier, Mike Miller…They surrounded those three guys[James, Wade, and Bosh] with some really good shooters and with really good role players.”

What has been LeBron’s BEST team ever? 👀

Drop your thoughts ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/zW4ydzfbOe

— First Take (@FirstTake) June 21, 2023

While the 2013 Heat is one of the most iconic teams ever, one can make the case for any of the other snubbed teams as well. Following the lockout, the 2012 Miami Heat won 46 games during the 66-game season and lifted the Championship in only the second season since the “Big Three’s” formulation.

The 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers weren’t as star-studded, but made a historic comeback to defeat the 73-9 Golden State Warriors in the Finals despite suffering an initial 1-3 deficit. Lastly, the 2020 Los Angeles Lakers displayed their perseverance, spent nearly four months in the Orlando Bubble, and destroyed every team on their way to winning the franchise’s 17^th title.

Does the current Los Angeles Lakers squad have the potential to be the best LBJ team ever?

Over the course of the 2022-2023 season, the LA side’s roster has consisted of some big names-LeBron, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook, and D’Angelo Russell, along with many other impactful role players. One could easily compare the All-Star trio of Westbrook, LBJ, and AD to the that of the Heat’s Big Three.

In terms of firepower, Darvin Ham’s boys had one of the most exciting teams in the league. But they failed to win the Championship. It’ll be interesting to see how Rob Pelinka constructs the roster entering the 2023-2024 campaign, as LeBron hopes to win a chip in the final years of his career.