LeBron James is not looking to be the star of the show. While the Cleveland Cavaliers might win or lose based on his play, the star is putting more pressure on his teammates' shoulders than his own. The Cavaliers got their first win of the season when they defeated the Memphis Grizzlies and it was much in part because of the play of Kevin Love. James wants that to continue.
Love faced plenty of criticism last year for his inability to get moving in the offense. However, he signed an extension in the offseason and returned fully healthy to put on a star performance on Wednesday night. Love led the team with 17 points and 13 rebounds, something James would like to see happen every night for the forward.
"We'll use Kevin however he wants to be used," James said, via ESPN.com. "I told you Kevin is going to be our main focus. He's going to have a hell of a season. He's going to get back to that All-Star status. He's the focal point of us offensively. I know I can go out and get mine when I need it."
James is right to say that he can get his. Through two games, the star has 37 points while Love has 35. James is dealing with reported back issues according to the Akron Beacon Journal which makes the rise of Love that much more important for the team. Head coach David Blatt told ESPN that the forward's conditioning is better than ever and he expects the progress to continue.
"I've said that he was very active in terms of conditioning," Blatt said, via ESPN.com. "And obviously, in terms of the rehab, he couldn't and didn't get involved in contact work until just a few weeks ago. So as far as game rhythm, I think it's natural that he's a little bit behind as far as that's concerned. But you didn't see it tonight."
With injuries to players like Iman Shumpert and Kyrie Irving, the Cavaliers are getting a lot of help from their bench. Mo Williams has been filling in for the point guard spot while players like Richard Jefferson and Jared Cunningham are proving they were worth the investment. Jefferson has 24 points through two makes as he made nine of his first 13 shots. Williams will share point guard duties with Matthew Dellavedova who appears set to come off the bench while JR Smith continues to make shots at the shooting guard position. All of that depth is the reason the Cavaliers will remain contenders despite James' injuries.