5 reasons LeBron James’ return means title repeat for Cavs

LeBron James announced on Wednesday that he will re-sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 NBA free agency. Here are five reasons Cleveland will repeat.

While he could have tested free agency this summer after fulfilling his promise of an NBA Championship to Northeast Ohio, LeBron James stated on Wednesday that he does plan to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers for a third season in 2016-17.

James will again have a championship caliber team in Cleveland in his 14th NBA season at the age of 32. He did much of the heavy lifting last year, but did instill in his Cleveland teammates what exactly it takes to win an NBA Championship. Expect James to still star for the Cavaliers, but have his teammates continue to grow in the aftermath of winning it all.

Entering 2016-17, Cleveland is one of three to four teams that have a great shot at winning the 2017 NBA Finals: the Cavaliers, the Golden State Warriors, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and maybe the San Antonio Spurs if age isn’t a crippling factor for that veteran team.

Cleveland is in a nearly unthinkable position as the defending champion. Poised for a repeat as 2017 NBA Champions, here are five reasons that James’ return to the Cavaliers ensures that Cleveland will win back-to-back NBA Championships.

Next: 5. Tristan Thompson stays a strong front court player.