Previous 2 eras had a clear cutoff point:
Jordan era - 1991(first title) to 1998 (retirement)
Bird-Magic Era 1980 (rookie years, Finals MVP) to 1991 (AIDS)
When did the Kareem era begin and the Russell-Wilt era end? 1970 after Russell retired and Kareem dominated as a rookie or 1972 after Wilt won his last Finals MVP? Because Kareem had already won 2 MVPs and a title by 1972. We're at a similar historic crossroads in 2012 as we were in 72. Can the old guard extend the era or will we have a solid connection to the new era.
If the heat win then historically we'll look back as the Lebron era beginning with his first title in 2012. If the Spurs win then who knows when the Lebron era actually begins. Maybe he gets skipped over and we get the Durant era instead while Lebron gets caught in between eras like Shaq or Dr J
[This message has been edited by Internetfan02 (edited 6/20/2013 11:19a).]