LeBron James reportedly cursed at Cavaliers' Executives in team meeting
What's the story?
LeBron James cursed two team executives in a heated team meeting at the in the last week of January between the players and the Cleveland Cavaliers' front office.
In case you didn't know...
Kevin Love left after playing just 3 minutes due to an illness in the loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Jan. 20. The players questioned Love’s illness and held him accountable for leaving the arena before the end of the game.
Love has been ruled out for two months with a fractured left hand and has therefore lost his All-Star place to Paul George.
The heart of the matter...
A serious conflict has risen between the Cleveland superstar LeBron James and head office in the past few weeks. “James cursed toward at least two executives” during late January meeting, according to The Athletic's Jason Lloyd.
Lloyd noted that the Cavaliers “have been noticeably pivoting away from James’ recommendations” since the offseason. James wanted the Cavs’ front office to bring Kyrie Irving to training camp. Instead, they accepted the point guard’s trade request by transferring him to the Boston Celtics. Lloyd reported that this deal was completed “without consulting James.” He further added that James has “no relationship” with owner Dan Gilbert or general manager Koby Altman.
According to Ken Berger’s previous report, “The word is out that Dan is running things. Frankly, that’s where he’s happiest and the role he’s most comfortable in.”
With Gilbert seizing control of the basketball operations, James doesn’t trust his front office. “Whereas Griffin would consult with James and keep him informed of major roster decisions, that is no longer happening”, Lloyd wrote. “There is no communication now between management and star player.”
James will not be waiving his no-trade clause before Thursday’s deadline and reportedly intends to “see the year through in Cleveland.”, according to Yahoo Sports’ Shams Charania.
What's next?
The Cleveland Cavaliers (30-22) host the Minnesota Timberwolves (34-22) on Wednesday on ESPN.
Author's take
The discord between LeBron and the Cavaliers’ head office is rising day by day. It seems like a second divorce between the two is on the cards this coming off-season.