For nearly a decade, LeBron James dominated the Eastern Conference. He led the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers to a combined eight straight appearances in the NBA Finals from 2011-2018. But the four-time MVP decided that it was time for a change in scenery, so he signed a four-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers last summer.

For the first time in his career, LeBron is playing for a Western Conference team, and while the results of their campaign this season were nothing short of disappointing, the effects his decision had on the Eastern Conference were felt immediately.

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo told ESPN's Malika Andrews he is relieved LeBron James is no longer in the East, because it opened a lot of opportunities for his team and the rest of the conference as well:

“I didn't know we were gonna be in the Eastern Conference Finals. Now (LeBron is) not playing for the Cavs, it's gonna be easier. I didn't see it as open; but now I look back, it's open, not having LeBron in the East and not trying to go through him.”

The Bucks are clearly the team that benefited the most from James' departure, as they have cruised in the Eastern Conference and are three wins away from advancing to the Finals for the first time since 1971.

Antetokounmpo has been dominant this season, averaging 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. With him leading the way, Milwaukee earned the best record in the league. He is already being considered as the new King of the East.

But The Greek Freak doesn't want to rule just one conference.

He wants to dominate the entire league, and he's well on his way to accomplishing that goal.