Cleveland Cavaliers · Franchise era 5 of 7
Between LeBron eras: the Cleveland Cavaliers story
Franchise era
2010–11—2013–14
Between LeBron eras
Cleveland Cavaliers
The story in one sentence
Four rebuilding seasons supplied the young talent and flexibility that would support an unprecedented reunion.
The teardown that produced Kyrie
Kyrie Irving, Anderson Varejão and Tristan Thompson gave the era its recognizable core.
Its ending created the conditions for believeland.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 2010–11
What came before
James took Cleveland from the lottery to the 2007 Finals and consecutive 60-win seasons, though a championship remained out of reach.
2010–11—2013–14
Between LeBron eras
Four rebuilding seasons supplied the young talent and flexibility that would support an unprecedented reunion.
After 2013–14
What came next
James returned, formed a new Big Three and led the 2016 comeback that delivered Cleveland its first NBA championship.
The core