LeBron James, Cleveland Cavs’ Struggling With Chemistry Issues

LeBron James is vowing to be more like himself in his return to his home state of Ohio and with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Many consider the Cavs one of the best teams in the league as the season begins, but they have surprisingly started with a 1-3 record, losing to the struggling Knicks and Jazz. Equally surprising is James’ admission of playing “passive,” highlighted by his lowest scoring game (11 points against Portland) since 2008.

In the wake of all the unevenness, rumors are simming that the four-time league MVP and two-time champion might be trying to send a message to his new teammates about their somewhat undisciplined style of play.

“It’s a fine line,” James said about the balance he is trying to achieve. “I’ve had two games where I played a bit passively and focused on setting up others, which led to two losses. Then, I had a game where I was very aggressive, and we won. It’s something I’m thinking about right now.”

Things were so out of whack during the Cavs’ 101-82 loss to the Blazers earlier this week, James spent much of his postgame news conference taking not so veiled swipes at teammates Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters over their shot-happy, 6-for-28, ill-advised showing. By contrast, James managed to get off just 12 shots.

“I will continue to preach it and they will get it,” James said of the need for him and his teammates to work together and find common ground. “We have to figure it out as a group. It can’t be just one or two guys.”