David Griffin, the general manager of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Lebron James recently met regarding the current “drought” the team is experiencing. The 2015-16 NBA champions have lost six of their last eight games and have moved from second to fourth in the NBA power rankings over the past two weeks. This may seem as typical behaviour for a sports team, yet Lebron James disagrees.
Lebron, who is viewed as the leader of the Cavaliers, criticized the team’s roster and was outraged at the teams managed when he claimed “we need a f*cking playmaker!,” following the teams loss to the Pelicans on Monday. However, Griffin argues, “The thing we have to do the most is get better from within.” Although Lebron may potentially be the best basketball player in the world, his remarks are unethical and unfair to his teammates. Also, with the large sum of money the Cavaliers are paying their players, it is nearly impossible for the team to alter their roster. Similar to what Mira Hayre states in her blog, this could perhaps be related to Lebrons grit and desire for perseverance. However Lebron is not the manager of the team and should not regard the roster for the teams issues.
Lebron’s actions demonstrate an abuse of McClelland’s theory of needs. These needs, which consist of achievement, affiliation and power, portray motivation for an individual to be affective in their field of employment. Lebron has definitely been an affective presence for the Cavaliers, and his drive towards the team’s achievement is a common goal. However, he is abusing his power and influence on the team by criticizing the general manager and his surrounding teammates.
With the trade deadline approaching it is unknown if the General Manager of the Cavaliers will satisfy Lebron’s wishes. Lebron has had a negative history with the management group of the Cavaliers and, if his actions continue, there is a possibility he could find himself on a different team. Yet, realistically, he is highly admired in the city of Cleveland too skilled of player to trade.
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Sources:
http://www.si.com/nba/2017/01/26/cavaliers-gm-lebron-james-meeting
http://onsmash.com/sports/lebron-james-says-he-needs-a-fucking-playmaker/
http://www.netmba.com/mgmt/ob/motivation/mcclelland/