Legacies on the line for Curry, James, Durant.

LeBron James: His case for being greatest ever can’t afford a 5th loss

Is a man in his seventh straight NBA Finals, eighth overall, still worried about his legacy? Of course he is. “I think it’s going to be great for my legacy,” LeBron James said. “Once I’m done playing the game and can look back and say, ‘Oh, this guy went to three straight, four straight Finals, five, six whatever.’ I think it’s great to be talked about, see what I was able to accomplish as an individual.”

James’ legacy — note his use of the word “individual” — is a constant source of debate and fascination. He is solidly in the debate over who is the greatest player in NBA history. But he can be a polarizing figure, and every move or “Decision” in his long career has come with intense scrutiny.

Though there are many references to James’ consecutive Finals appearances as “unprecedented,” Bill Russell (10), Sam Jones and Tom Heinsohn (nine) and K.C. Jones and Frank Ramsey (eight) would beg to disagree.

But James’ accomplishment is unprecedented in the modern era. His winning percentage, however, is also part of his legacy. He has won three championships and lost four.

The most notable other players in the conversation for “best ever” are Michael Jordan and Russell. Jordan was 6-0 in Finals series, and Russell lost only once.

The debate is a bit like Joe Montana vs. Tom Brady. Montana never lost a Super Bowl. Brady did. Who is better?

James clearly doesn’t want to lose a fifth title to change the balance of the scales or the argument.

James’ legacy is a complicated one. During his career, he has used free agency as a cudgel to render teams to his liking. He has a self-importance almost unmatched in sports. He has been a sore winner, a sore loser and unrelentingly tough on teammates and coaches.

But his talent and overall greatness have never been in question. James recently surpassed Jordan as the all-time leading playoff scorer.

Now 32, he is still dominating and has arguably his most talented supporting cast. He relished winning his first title for his hometown a year ago and gloated endlessly (some might say pettily; remember the “RIP Steph,” “RIP Klay” Halloween party?) after beating the Warriors. That, too, is part of his legacy.

As James said, another win would be great for his legacy. Especially by beating the favored “super team.”

But another Finals loss would make the Jordan camp even more sure of who is truly the best.