Tension between LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers' leadership is centered around payroll spending, multiple sources told ESPN.
James and team owner Dan Gilbert have different viewpoints on the issue and it has been straining the relationship, sources said. The matter has been exacerbated by the team's struggles on the court as the team lost for the sixth time in eight games, 116-112 to the Sacramento Kings in overtime, on Wednesday night.
When James was considering returning to the Cavs in 2014, James pressed Gilbert on if he'd be willing to spend unconditionally on talent regardless of the luxury tax cost, sources said.