Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 reasons fans should be optimistic

2. LeBron James attitude adjustment

During a monotonous performance against Houston in early February, James looked very un-King like. He trudged up the floor, moving as if he were weighed down by a ball and chain. He scored just a 11 points with a -17 plus/minus. It  was the fourth time in seven games his plus/minus was worse than -10.

Cavs universe sounded the alarm, everyone’s worst fears maybe manifesting before them: LeBron James was quitting on the team. It only be a matter of time before he was jetting off to Los Angeles.

Reports of infighting erupted, and Cleveland appeared damaged  beyond repaired. Then LeBron James drilled this shot over Jimmy Butler at the buzzer to beat Minnesota.

Less than 24 hours later, nearly half his team was traded for younger replacements. James has been the world’s most dominant player since, posting impressive numbers even by his standards.

Below are James stat lines since the bevy of trades:

• 22 points, 19 assists 12 rebounds vs. Atlanta
• 24 points, 10 assists, 8 rebounds vs. Boston
• 37 points, 8 assists, 8 rebounds vs. Oklahoma City
• 32 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds vs. Washington
• 18 points, 11 assists, 14 rebounds vs. Memphis

It’s like James has been infused with some sort of happy serum. Finally at peace with his teammates, he’s erupted, equaling a career high in assists with two triple-doubles since the trades. Not only does this pay dividends this season, but in the future as well.

The Cavaliers franchise and its fanbase are only as happy as James. When he’s content, the future is bright. When he’s uncomfortable, the future is bleak. Right now, Cleveland needs sunglasses to look at a crystal ball.