LeBron James Comments on Cleveland Cavaliers' Effort Level
LeBron James registered season highs in points (37), rebounds (12) and blocks (three) Saturday night, but the Cleveland Cavaliers superstar wasn't pleased with his team's effort after falling behind early in a 108-105 double-overtime loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
According to Northeast Ohio Media Group's Chris Haynes, James admitted to reporters the Cavaliers play with "half-ass effort" from time to time, which puts Cleveland in unfavorable late-game situations.
The Cavs fell behind by six points at halftime and needed to erase a nine-point deficit in the fourth quarter to force overtime. A night after they were outscored 30-17 in the second quarter and needed a 24-12 fourth-quarter edge to down the New York Knicks, it's no surprise James was fed up.
In fact, a video posted on Twitter (Warning: NSFW language in link) Friday night appeared to catch James questioning his teammates' effort.
However, it's only November, and the Cavaliers are 8-2. The reigning Eastern Conference champions didn't hit their stride until after the All-Star break last season, and it wouldn't be a surprise if the same thing happens this time around.
With Kyrie Irving (knee) and Iman Shumpert (wrist) sidelined because of injuries, Cleveland should be in a prime spot to torch inferior Eastern Conference competition as the season progresses and the team gets healthy.
