The Cleveland Cavaliers are in a free fall right now. Their defense is abysmal and the overall chemistry of the team is the worst it has been since LeBron James returned to Cleveland several years ago. While many have speculated as to what is causing the defending Eastern Conference champions to be suddenly so bad, the team held a meeting to allow everyone to air out their grievances and get back on the same page.

The main target of the complaints, which came from both players and coaching staff, was Kevin Love. This is somewhat surprising as Love has been playing better basketball this season.

His offensive numbers have him in line to be selected to another all-star appearance. If he isn't selected, it will be considered a snub.

So why is the team making him out to be the scapegoat then?

Unauthorized sick day

Last weekend, the Cavaliers were blown out by the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder put up 148 points on a Cleveland defense that has was for the most part without Love. Citing an illness, Love exited the game early and missed the following day's practice.

He was reportedly gone from the arena by the time the game had ended which really irked his teammates.

Despite the questions of whether or not the illness was real, Love reportedly assuaged his teammates and coaches with his explanation. It is unclear what he said about being sick, but apparently it was enough to cool down some of the tension that was permeating throughout the meeting.

What is really laughable about this is that these are professional athletes. Having the audacity to question whether your teammate is faking an injury or illness is so bold, I cannot imagine that everyone will make up and forget about it so quickly.

What's next?

A trade is likely on the horizon for the team in the near future.

LeBron has already called out the team through the media, declaring that they could easily get bounced in the first round of the playoffs. The real questions is what is the biggest need on a team with multiple issues?

George Hill has been a popular name that keeps coming up regarding trade rumors. The Utah Jazz guard is strong on defense and could help on that end of the floor. However, adding another point guard to a team that has too many guards doesn't make sense. Unless they send either Dwyane Wade, Kyle Korver, JR Smith, or Iman Shumpert back in the trade, their back court would only become more crowded.

They need size and defense up front. Tristan Thompson has been slowed by injuries this year, but he is one of the few true big men on the roster.

Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan could be a perfect complimentary fit to help Thompson on the boards and defensively.

Whatever Cleveland does decide to do, they better do it quick to right the ship. They are falling further and further from the top of the conference and they may be opening the playoffs on the road if they aren't careful.
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