The Cavs gambled, and lost, on waiting for LeBron James

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 11: James Harden #1 and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrate a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Rocket Arena on May 11, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Mill