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What’s Wrong With LeBron James And The Cleveland Cavaliers?

By Gerald Bourguet

Mar 18, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) looks on against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Orlando Magic 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) looks on against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Orlando Magic 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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With LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers showing signs of imploding, it’s time to take a look at what’s wrong with the top team in the East.

LeBron James
Mar 18, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) looks on against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Orlando Magic 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

The Cleveland Cavaliers are probably one of the most disappointing 51-win teams in NBA history. Though they sit in the No. 1 spot in the Eastern Conference standings, their grip on the top seed has loosened over the last few weeks and the overwhelming feeling is that this team doesn’t have what it takes to win a title.

It wasn’t long ago that LeBron James‘ return to his hometown Cavs was heralded like Jesus Christ riding into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. But if we follow that simile through to its conclusion, we know that the time of crucifixion is close at hand — but this time, the savior’s cross to bear will be made up of his own sins.

It’s not all on LeBron, of course. Kyrie Irving has been a disappointment, Kevin Love has been a round-peg-in-a-square-hole fit since he first arrived in Cleveland, and firing a head coach midseason has not historically led to championship success. But considering this roster was fashioned the way LeBron wanted, this team’s recent struggles have become a top storyline.

The Cavs are still a top team in the NBA and the favorites to emerge from the Eastern Conference. They’re one of only five teams in the league — joining the Warriors, Spurs, Clippers and Hornets — to rank in the top 10 for both offensive and defensive efficiency, they have three bonafide superstars and they’re on pace to win 58 games.

But they’d be heavy underdogs in the Finals against whatever monster emerges from the West, and that’s assuming they overcome Eastern teams playing better basketball right now like the Raptors, Hornets, Heat and Celtics.

This summer, LeBron James will become a free agent to maximize his earnings, but for someone sporting a 2-4 record in the NBA Finals, he’s getting tired of falling short of his championship goals. With the pressures of “winning one for the Land” starting to give way to visible strain, it’s time to take a look at what’s wrong with King James and his Cleveland Cavaliers.

Next: No. 5

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