NBA Finals 2020: LeBron James not focused on legacy ahead of potential closeout Game 5

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The Los Angeles Lakers are just one win away from securing the franchise's 17th championship and for LeBron James, a fourth ring to add to his already stellar resumé. 

History awaits LeBron as he looks to join an exclusive list of players to win a championship with three different teams and become the first player in NBA history to win Finals MVP with three different teams. 

MORE: LeBron finds an extra gear in closeout games

As the history books await to be re-written, the 35-year-old says he isn't focusing on his legacy on the court.

“I don't really think about it too much,” he said when asked about his legacy. “I think the story will be told how it's supposed to be told and be written how it's supposed to be written.

"But I don't live my life thinking about legacy. What I do off the floor is what means more to me than what I do on the floor. Seeing my kids on the back of a Wheaties box yesterday was one of the best moments of my life … The game of basketball will pass me by. There will be a new group of young kids and vets and rookies throughout the course of this game.

“So I can't worry about that as far as on the floor. How I move, how I walk, what I preach, what I talk about, how I inspire the next generation is what matters to me the most. And if you appreciate my game, then cool. If you didn't, then that's cool, too. That's what it boils down to.”

LeBron appeared on the Wheaties box for the first time ever, alongside children from his I Promise School in his hometown of Akron, Ohio.

In his 17th season and 10th appearance in the Finals, LeBron is averaging 27.8 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 8.5 assists through four games, with the Los Angeles Lakers holding a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Miami Heat.

With an opportunity to close out the series Saturday, the Lakers will be rocking their Black Mamba jerseys for Game 5 in honour of the late Kobe Bryant. In four games this post-season, the Lakers are unbeaten when wearing the black unis.

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"It means something. It's something more than just a uniform," LeBron said.

"It represents an individual who gave the franchise 20 years of his blood, sweat, and tears, and his dedication to his craft both on and off the floor to make that franchise be proud of him, and hopefully vice versa.”

The Lakers will look to close out the series in Game 5, which is scheduled for Saturday, October 10 at 12:00pm AEDT on ESPN and NBA League Pass

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Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor for The Sporting News.