Cleveland Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue said LeBron James looks happier at work now, noticing the change in his superstar even before his close friend Dwyane Wade was acquired by the team recently. Lue told the Cleveland Plain Dealer that James seems younger and seems happier with the game right now and is just having fun. “Hopefully it carries on for 82 games and into the playoffs,” added Lue, per Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com.
In the first two days of practice, the 32-year-old James arrived at the team practice facility at 6 a.m. and stayed there until the evening.
When Wade signed with the Cavaliers, he and James attended the team’s evening practice and were seen celebrating their reunion by drinking wine after workouts. The Cavaliers are doing everything they can to keep James happy so he will remain with the team after this season. It was reported that James plans to leave the Cavaliers in 2018 and join the Los Angeles Lakers.
James elated by Wade’s signing
Part of keeping James happy was acquiring Wade, who signed a $2.3 million deal with the Cavaliers after he got his buyout from the Chicago Bulls. Upon learning that the Cavaliers were set to sign Wade, James expressed excitement regarding their reunion. James and Wade played for four years with the Miami Heat, winning back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013.
Wade asked the Bulls for a buyout after the team did not fulfill its promise to form a competitive team for the coming season. Wade later agreed to exercise the $23.8 million player option on his deal. However, the Bulls went in a different direction, trading Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves and releasing veteran point guard Rajon Rondo.
James hints at staying with Cavs
Vardon said James hinted that he could finish his career with the Cavaliers amid rumors that he will leave Cleveland in 2018. James said he’s ready and determined to put the franchise in a position where it can be successful and lead the franchise to another championship. James said he’s working hard in training and practice to put himself in shape and carry his teammates “to measures that they haven't been before.” Earlier, podcaster Bill Simmons reported that James could leave the Cavaliers and form a super team with the Los Angeles Lakers along with Paul George, Lonzo Ball, and Brandon Ingram. There were reports that Russell Westbrook could leave the Oklahoma City Thunder and join James with the Lakers as well.
