The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

rwells@tribunemedia.net

LET me just say from the onset of this article that I fully understand that the most basic dream we all share is to have the opportunity to live a style of life that allows us to live, work and play in such way that we can hardly differentiate between the respective outputs.

It should also be noted that I for one respect the work-play-life balance that LeBron James, the world’s premier basketball player, has been able to amass off of pure skill and talent.

Better yet, his achievement in this regard, in my opinion should be translated into some form of a college course and disseminated across the globe with the caption: “blueprint to a quality life”.

Now that we have that accounted for and out of the way, it has to be said, LeBron has allowed his power to go to his head and in the process systematically railroaded teammates and built what I consider an “out” that could absolve him if this season falls apart down the stretch.

Come on ‘King James’; how can one speak so critical of a roster that he, in fact, built. What kind of ego is that?

Since his return to Cleveland two seasons ago LeBron has secured a level of power never before waved by any one individual player in any of the major sports.

Not Michael Jordan, not Tim Duncan, not Larry Bird, not Magic Johnson; not even the hated Kobe Bryant could call the shots the way LeBron presently can.

If one was to draw some comparison to what LeBron can currently do, the only name comes close is Bill Russell.

But we have to note that Russell had that level of power due to the fact that he acted as the Celtics best player and head coach for an extended period of time.

Ask any basketball fan right now who the Cavaliers general manager is and I guarantee that they would draw a blank.

Why? Because most people view the Cavs as a team guided by the decisions or lack there of by Mr James.

In his first week back with the Cavs in 2015, LeBron talked up rookie forward Andrew Wiggins in the press and then days later, in a cool demeanor gave the indication that he would be more comfortable with a veteran player if one became available - Kevin Love.

See this is where the critics come at me in their defense of LeBron’s actions, claiming that all players, to some degree suggest or posture for moves they want. This is where they say Kobe got rid of Shaq; Jordan put down Rip Hamilton while in Washington. But what the often overlook is the manner in which LeBron has and continues to postures.

He doesn’t recommend. He doesn’t speak in a hopeful tone. When LeBron speaks, he speaks with the authority that the franchise is behind him thoroughly.

Don’t believe me? Why is Tristian Thompson sitting on a hefty contract? LeBron. Why is both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love sitting with mac contracts? LeBron. Look at the list of role players on the Cavs roster, all are LeBron stamped guys.

You remember my general manager question, his name is David Griffin.

With urgency pressed upon the team by James, Griffin through statistical and accounting acquired gymnastics acquired Timofey Mozgov, J.R. Smith, and Iman Shumpert in 2015, Channing Frye in 2016; all to the determent of the Cavaliers longterm financial flexibility.

Moreover, the Cavaliers since LeBron return has spent more than any other team. Yes, on paper the Cavs have built the most expensive roster and continues to do all it can to surround King James with the talent he wants.

“Organizationally, there is absolutely no lack of clarity on what our goal set is. We are here to win championships. ... Anyone insinuating that this organization is about anything other than that would deeply upset me because ownership has invested in this at an absolutely historic level,” that is how Griffin himself termed it this week.

So with all the cards on the table, I ask you, why is LeBron all of sudden overtly critical of his team and there ability to compete for a ring this year?

Is it fear? Oh, the Golden State Warriors are for real and the King knows his “top-heavy” roster just isn’t good enough. Too bad!

LeBron built the team, he orchestrated nearly every move since coming back to town three summers ago. At some point he has to suck it up, and go at it with the team he has, the guys he wanted.

Here is Trisitian Thompson’s take on it: “This is the team we have right now. That’s how you got to approach the game. You can’t go out there hoping somebody is coming to walk through the door. Play with whoever the hell we got right now, and let’s win some [expletive] games.”

It is time for the King to get battle ready and lead his Cavaliers in to battle.