“Stop trying to find a way to FIT-OUT and just FIT-IN,” James tweeted. “Be apart of something special! Just my thoughts.”
While James didn’t specifically reference any teammates in the tweet, the message was loud and clear: Time to get on board, Kevin Love.
Over the past three weeks, ever since James returned from a two-week hiatus to not only heal his back and left knee but also get his mind right, the Cavs had become the hottest team in the league. With Sunday’s 120-105 domination of the Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland has now won 13 of its past 14 games…
The team’s ascendance has coincided with major struggles for Love, however. Before Love’s breakout performance Sunday with a season-high 32 points on 11-for-18 shooting (including 7-for-8 from 3-point territory), his offense had been atrocious. He was averaging roughly half of his 26.1 points per game average he put up in Minnesota last season on sub-40 percent shooting and bottoming out by totaling just five points in two of his past three games.
The wording of James’ tweet was suspicious, considering this quote from Love that he said back in training camp:
“I’m comfortable and just not trying to, I guess, fit in so much,” Love said. “I had a talk with the guys on the plane ride over [to Brazil] and also at different practices off the floor and they told me to fit out. Just be myself.”
James wants Love to be himself so long as that means the three-time All-Star is selfless.
Oh, LeBron, you master motivator. You’re words of inspiration make me want to vomit.
I see two sides to the Kevin Love situation in Cleveland. The first involves Love sacrificing personal glory for the betterment of the team. Do whatever it takes to win a title. I’d back this position 99 times out of 100.
The only time I question whether it’s the right decision is when LeBron James is my teammate.
Why? I don’t trust him.
LeBron is always going to put LeBron first. Just ask any Cavaliers fan who hasn’t erased the Decision from memory or Dwyane Wade and Pat Riley.
Love will likely continue to play the good soldier for the remainder of the season. If the Cavs win the title, maybe Love will bolt for a more comfortable working environment. I wouldn’t hold it against him.
If the Cavs fall short and try to bring everyone back, Love faces an equally tough decision. Does he sign a max contract in Cleveland knowing his selfless Chosen One teammate has a deal with an annual opt-out?
UPDATE: LeBron is blaming the media for the reaction to his tweet
I like u guys a lot(Media) but don’t try and make a story cause it looks good. If I have a problem with a teammate or anyone I’ll say to….
— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 9, 2015
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their face and not over social media. That’s corny and wack! So good try again my friends(Media), I still love you guys.
— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 9, 2015
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Coward.
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