Cavs' Jefferson: LeBron 'always wants to feel uncomfortable'
Richard Jefferson has an explanation for why LeBron James is putting the full-court press on his front office to improve the roster.
Jefferson spoke with ESPN's Marc Stein on the TrueHoop Podcast earlier in January and broke down the way James runs his camp. Specifically, Jefferson mentions that James thrives on being "uncomfortable."
"I always joke with him that he's one of those guys - and it's not surprising, I think lots of players with his kind of mindset and ability set - I think they thrive when things are a bit uncomfortable," Jefferson said, as transcribed by ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
"They don't shy away from those moments. They don't shy away from things being difficult. ... I'm still an outsider looking in on his perspective, but when you look at the subliminal tweets or you look at him cracking jokes or you look at him kind of stoking the fire, it's because he doesn't ever want to be too comfortable. He never wants to feel comfortable.
"He always wants to feel uncomfortable. And I think that's what pushes him. I think that's part of the reason why he's so great is that he's never in a mode where like, 'OK, this is a good place to be!' No. He's like, 'Where can I go next? Where can I go next? I have to keep pushing and striving for another level of greatness.' Because he knows that that's the only way to achieve what he wants to achieve."
Jefferson's assessment of James, although somewhat harsh, paints an accurate picture of how The King runs his teams. James is one of the most scrutinized players in the history of basketball, so any tiny slight becomes a major storyline, but James draws some of his own drama. James understands his position of power within the league, and that when he makes statements to reporters, or goes on a Twitter rant, that will draw attention to the team.
Of course, James may not be playing mind games at all. The Cavs have lost six of their last eight games - a span that includes losses to the Spurs and Warriors - and James might simply be frustrated.
But then again, Jefferson shared his thoughts three weeks ago before Cleveland hit their rough patch. James has since proven him right.