David Kenyon
LeBron James took an uncharacteristic mid-season break last year, but the Cleveland Cavaliers forward doesn’t expect to repeat that down the stretch of the 2015-16 campaign.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reports Cleveland coach Tyronn Lue said he had a “gut instinct” to rest James before the Cavaliers fell to the Detroit Pistons 96-88 on Monday but played him anyway. The 31-year-old superstar finished 5-of-18 from the field, marking the first time this year he shot below 30 percent.
Still, James said he’s in a better place physically than 2014-15.
“It’s how my body was feeling. Last year I was banged up. It’s not a mindset, it’s just reality. This year I feel 10 times better than I did last year. So that’s the mindset.”
Last year, he suddenly took a two-week break to recover — perhaps both physically and emotionally — after a strangely slow start to the year. Cleveland managed a single victory in eight tries during James’ absence.
The Cavaliers haven’t struggled in the same way this season, but they certainly have room to improve. Injuries have kept two starters — Kyrie Irving and Iman Shumpert — sidelined for a good chunk of the year. Some are still waiting for Kevin Love to match expectations since the blockbuster trade.
James has only missed one game this season, appearing in 36 straight contests since sitting out Dec. 5 against the Miami Heat.
As long as LeBron feels healthy, Cleveland has a chance.
Despite marked improvements from the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics, the Cavs remain the favorite to emerge from the Eastern Conference. The Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs or Oklahoma City Thunder would likely await Cleveland in the NBA Finals.
James essentially carried the Cavaliers to the brink of a championship last season mostly without Love and Irving. Although opponents can exploit them defensively, they’re definitely a valuable combination on the scoring end.
Cleveland would be wise to start watching James’ minutes now, but his current status is encouraging for the team’s potential playoff run.
