The city of Cleveland has lost its king once again with the news that LeBron James is taking his talents to Hollywood with the Los Angeles Lakers. James’ departure will no doubt fill a massive void in the city’s sports scene after he led the Cavs to four-straight trips to the Finals, not to mention its first championship in 52 years.
However, a couple of Cleveland Browns defensive players in Myles Garrett and Christian Kirksey believe they are ready to step up and take the King’s now-vacant throne.
@KingJames if you don’t want to take your throne with you I’ll take it..
— Myles Garrett (@Flash_Garrett) July 2, 2018
Time for me to take the throne! #kirkoland
— Christian Kirksey (@Kirko58) July 2, 2018
This isn't the first time Garrett has been involved in some NBA-related news recently. He was previously embroiled in a semi-beef with Kevin Durant after publicly criticizing the Golden State Warriors star. As for Kirksey, he has also garnered headlines recently after claiming the Browns will make it back to the playoffs this year.
With all due respect to Kirksey, but Garrett should have the much better case to be the next big Cleveland superstar after James. He plays in a more prestigious position as a pass rusher－and is quite good at it－while Kirksey is in the less-glamorous linebacker spot. And like James, Garrett is a former No. 1 pick with immense physical gifts who has shown the ability to be a truly transcendent player.
But unlike James, Garrett doesn’t have the ability to almost singlehandedly lift the Browns to glory, especially after going just 1-31 over the last two seasons. Garrett also has some stiff competition looming with another No. 1 overall pick in Baker Mayfield, who would be anointed the Browns’ savior if he turns the franchise’s fortunes around and plays like a star.
Mayfield won’t be starting right away this season, though, which is good news for Garrett. It will give him a bit more time to stake his claim for the throne. As to whether he or anyone else can realistically hold onto that throne like James did is anyone's guess.
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