When LeBron James was asked how he was playing right now, the star put it in simple terms, "I stink." The Cleveland Cavaliers did managed to end their four-game losing streak with a win over the Orlando Magic, but it is clear this team is far from improved. The four-time MVP is taking the blame for the early-season struggles, but the rest of the roster certainly is not helping.
James is getting the spotlight as the Cavaliers continue to disappoint early. The forward averaged just 18.5 points on 41 percent shooting during the losing streak. He stepped up against the Magic, going 9-for-17 from the field along with putting up 11 assists while not playing in the fourth quarter.
"I'm my biggest critic," James said, via ESPN.com. "I wasn't happy with my play the last week. No one puts any more pressure on me than myself. You go out and you just don't talk about it, you show it too."
Outside of James, the Cavaliers' boxscore leaves a lot to be desired. Kevin Love had just 12 points. Kyrie Irving had 12 points and just four assists. Starter Shawn Marion managed just 9 points. Dion Waiters continues to fall from grace with just eight points. Meanwhile the team's defense allowed the Magic to keep the game close for three quarters.
Could the Cavaliers be preparing for a mid-season trade in order to help some of the lingering issues? According to Bleacher Report's Ethan Skolnick, Cleveland could be contending to trade for Norris Cole or Chris Andersen of the Miami Heat. Both players are playing on short-term contracts and they both fit the need of defensive help for Cleveland. The Cavaliers need a backup point guard to help Irving and size under the rim outside of Anderson Varejao.
Thompson would immediately become the player up for grabs. While many believe that the forward could be the x-factor in Cleveland's season, he has yet to look as such. Thompson is set to become a restricted free agent in the summer making him trade bait. The Cavaliers attempted to sign Thompson at the deadline, but that effort failed and now he has set himself up to get traded if the right deal presents itself.
