LeBron James: Cavaliers are ‘better built’ to face Warriors than last year

The Cavaliers are headed for a NBA Finals rematch with the Warriors, but LeBron James thinks this year’s Cavs are more prepared to face Golden State than they were last year.

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LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers are headed for a NBA Finals rematch with the Warriors, but James thinks this year’s Cavs are more prepared to face Golden State than they were last year.

“We’re better built to start the Finals than we were last year,” James said on Tuesday, according to ESPN. “Doesn’t matter who it’s against. I mean, that’s not a headline. It’s obvious.”

In last year’s Finals, the Cavaliers led the series 2–1 after the first three games, but ultimately lost the last three as they ceded the NBA championship to the Warriors. This year, the oddsmakers have labeled Warriors the favorite to repeat their title run, but James said the odds have little bearing on his outlook.

“Not my concern,” James said. “I don’t get involved in all of that—underdog, overdog, whatever the case may be. It’s stupidity.”

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Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook has given Golden State 2-to-1 odds to win the championship, and they are a 5.5-point favorite to win Game 1.

Game 1 will be held at Oracle Arena on Thursday at 9 p.m. ET.