LeBron's professionalism having trickle-down effect among teammates
It's hard not to follow the lead of a man nicknamed "The Chosen One."
A month into Year 2 of LeBron James' second stint with his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers, the team's vocal leader has taken an approach to leadership characterized by an increased level of maturity.
Although the Cavs boast an Eastern Conference-leading 13-4 record, there have been moments in this young 2015-16 campaign in which James has been dissatisfied with his team's collective effort. So much so that he felt the need to call for a players-only meeting earlier this month, with the team's mental fortitude the primary topic of discussion.
In the wake of the two-time champ questioning his sometimes-lackluster team's culture, attention-grabbing modes of transportation were banned and starting lineup introductions were shelved.
The palpable sense of urgency displayed by James of late has likely been amplified by the unprecedented success the Golden State Warriors - the Cavs' 2015 Finals foes - have experienced in the early stages of the season.
With James' 31st birthday around the corner, he's evidently cognizant of the narrowing championship window for this current Cleveland squad - and, more interestingly, for his incomplete legacy.
LeBron's no-frills attitude reminds me of Magic Johnson after he lost to the Celtics in 84. The fun was gone. But he won 3 of next 4 chips
— J.A. Adande (@jadande) November 29, 2015
The impact of his actions have reverberated throughout the Cavs' locker room, with teammates following their captain's lead.
James' lessons of professionalism are not lost on Cavs big man Tristan Thompson, for one.
"I think it starts with how you dress off the court," Thompson said of honoring one's employer with respectable attire. "This is a billion-dollar business. When the front-office people come to the games, they come in suits, or slacks, or dress shirt or nice-cut jeans. I think it's the same way with us.
"At the end of the day, you're a professional and you have to represent yourself ... we're trying to change that whole culture, especially myself. I take that real personal."
When it comes to the perpetually dapper and well-groomed James, dress code has never been an issue - the 11-time All-Star recently added short shorts to his wardrobe - and his running mates seem to have gotten the memo.
Aesthetic endeavors aside - with eight of Cleveland's next 13 games coming on the road, now is the time for the Cavs to put their stamp on the month of December and the remainder of the 2015 calendar year, as they aim to become the undefeated Warriors' biggest threat ahead of a potential rematch of last year's Finals.
Who better to lead the Cavs toward such a highly anticipated milestone than a relentless and laser-focused "King James"?