LeBron James Comments on Reaching 6th Straight NBA Finals

After clinching his sixth consecutive trip to the NBA Finals on Friday night by virtue of the Cleveland Cavaliers' 113-87 victory over the Toronto Raptors in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, an emotional LeBron James discussed the importance of the accomplishment.

According to ESPN.com's Ohm Youngmisuk, James was thankful for the chance to chase his third championship: "I am just very humbled and gracious that the man above has given me the opportunity to play the game that I love. And I get to go out here and do it every single night in front of my fans. It is very emotional to be a part of something like this. This is my sixth straight. It means everything."

James also said he can appreciate this year's trip to the Finals more than last year's because Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love are both healthy:

"

There's definitely a different feeling. I didn't appreciate last year myself personally on getting to the Finals. Just so much was going on in my mind, knowing that Kev was out for the rest of the season and knowing that Ky was dealing with injuries all the way from the first round. I just didn't appreciate it.

It's definitely a different feeling. Having these guys right here at full strength, having our team at full strength, and the way I feel personally, I appreciate this moment, to be able to be a part of it and to be there once again.

"

While James will try to bring the city of Cleveland its first NBA title, the individual achievement of reaching six straight Finals puts him in elite company, per ESPN Stats & Info:

He also joined another historic group by reaching the Finals at least three times apiece with the Cavs and Miami Heat:

Cleveland is four wins away from a championship for the second straight year. James and Co. will be tasked with defeating either the Oklahoma City Thunder or Golden State Warriors, depending on the outcome of the Western Conference Finals.

James was unable to conquer the Dubs last year without the aid of Irving and Love, but the Cavs are perhaps better equipped than ever before to hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

James is 2-4 in his career in the NBA Finals, including an 0-2 mark with the Cavaliers.

James' emotional response Friday suggested he understood the rarity of the feat. If he, Irving and Love continue to play at their current level, they may accomplish what James set out to do upon his return to Cleveland.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.