LeBron believes issue with sleeved jerseys could be mental
LeBron James went Incredible Hulk on his jersey Wednesday night against the New York Knicks, tearing at his sleeve during a poor shooting performance in the first half.
The four-time MVP has expressed enmity for sleeved uniforms in the past, saying how they negatively affect his jumper because of how tight they are on his arms.
James sung a different tune following Cleveland's 96-86 victory at Quicken Loans Arena, though, blaming himself for his meager numbers and not what he was wearing.
"I was just frustrated with myself, I was just off rhythm a lot tonight, and the jersey was the only thing I could go to," James said, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "I couldn't do nothing to my face."
James managed to score a respectable 23 points, but it took the 30-year-old 23 shots to get them. He also grabbed five rebounds and recorded four steals.
"I don't know, it might be mental, man," James said. "It's OK. The jerseys are nice. We love the jerseys. The black looks great. It's been awhile since this franchise has worn black. So it's great to be out there and wear those uniforms. I was in my own way. I was frustrated with my shot, I couldn't make a bucket, so like I said, I had to take it out on something."
Cleveland will wear the sleeved alternates three to six times during the 2015-16 campaign. Wednesday not only marked the first time in franchise history the Cavaliers have worn sleeves, but the first time since 2003 that the team has donned a black jersey.
James clearly isn't the biggest supporter of the look, but considering he doesn't have to wear sleeves for a full 82-game slate, he's willing to bite his tongue on the matter.
"I mean, if the fans love them, I love them," James added, "That's what it's all about. I think our fans here in Cleveland and around the world and around the league love the uniforms. I'll wear them for 48 minutes in a ballgame. Obviously, I'm so used to the sleeveless cutoffs, whatever you want to call them - tank tops - I've been playing in tank tops my whole life. But for a game here, a game there, I don't mind it."