LeBron James' NBA Playoff Absence Hasn't Taken Away From the Entertainment Value

After a long 82-game season, the NBA Playoffs are pivoting toward their climax, though they look a lot different than they have for the past 13 seasons. The reason? LeBron James is on his couch. This is the first time since 2005 that the King isn't a part of an NBA postseason, and it feels strange. But in so many ways, most spectators don't seem to mind. And I don't blame them.

It must be said that the West still looks pretty much the same. The Rockets gave the Warriors the toughest competition they would see on the way to the Finals. The Blazers just got swept by the two-time defending champs after blowing leads of at least 16 points in three different games. But Portland's walk-off winner against Oklahoma City and thrilling seven-game conference semifinal rock fight against Denver both provided outstanding drama.

in the East, the excitement always centered on who had the best chance to take down LeBron. Now that he's out of the picture, the new narratives were allowed to emerge. The Nets-Sixers beef was a guilty pleasure, and before the Raptors and Bucks started clashing in the East finals, Kawhi Leonard gave us a legendary moment when his series-clincher against Philadelphia took multiple bounces off the rim before finally sending the Six into a frenzy.

Right now, the Eastern Conference Playoffs are more exciting than they have ever been because there are absolutely no hard-and-fast expectations. NBA fans have been forced to re-wire their brains and pick new bandwagons. LeBron isn't there to play the role of conquering hero or targeted villain; everything is finally wide open again. And it's been a thrill to witness.

No, the playoffs aren't the same without LBJ. How could they be? He's been a staple of the NBA postseason for years, and is a consummate champion. But is he necessary in order to deliver TV ratings and excitement? That's a resounding no.