LeBron James Changes Mindset To Playoff Mode A Little Earlier This Year

USA Today

No team in the league, outside of possibly the Oklahoma City Thunder, has more to lose this year by not winning an NBA title. The Cleveland Cavaliers are behind the eight ball once again this season with LeBron James likely opting out his contract with the team this summer and potentially looking elsewhere if unable to bring a title to his hometown.

With LeBron determined to win a championship this year, the four-time NBA MVP has switched things up with the NBA playoffs approaching. James has already kicked it into playoff mode with the postseason still a few weeks away via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin:

“I have,” James said when asked about whether he has consciously shifted his disposition. “A little bit sooner than normal, but you know I understand that [the postseason is] right around the corner and I want to start mentally preparing myself for the distance. So mentally I’m just being a little more sharper minded as of late, just gearing toward it. Understanding that it’s right around the corner and it’s going to be very, very challenging.”

Although LeBron leaving Cleveland for a second time seemed like an impossibility before this season, the Cavaliers could lose him again in free agency this summer. James continues to drop subtle hints that he may consider leaving the team again.

The Cavaliers have quite a challenge ahead as they approach the postseason. The competition in the Eastern Conference is tougher and the two elite teams in the Western Conference appear unbeatable.

Needless to say, the Cavaliers will have their work cut out for them once the playoffs get underway in a few weeks time. Cleveland remains the favorite to come out on top in the East with 5/12 odds (via Sportsbook.ag) followed by the Toronto Raptors (6/1) and Miami Heat (10/1).