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3 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Younger anglers now need own license ... Emergency services, March 4 ... Pot grows illegal on rural residential land in Jackson County ... Younger anglers now need own license ... Emergency services, March 4 ... Pot grows illegal on rural residential land in Jackson County ... NBA Irving, LeBron deny there are problems Comment By Akron Beacon Journal MailTribune.com By Akron Beacon Journal Posted Mar. 1, 2016 at 8:43 PM By Akron Beacon Journal Posted Mar. 1, 2016 at 8:43 PM » Social News CLEVELAND — They blew a nine-point lead in six minutes along with most of their lead in the standings, then were blown out on the road against a sub-.500 team. They lost three of four about the time rumors over Kyrie Irving’s future in Cleveland began surfacing. All of that, however, is nothing compared to what lies ahead, at least according to Irving and LeBron James. No, this isn’t adversity. This is the dog days of February and March. The real adversity won’t hit until April, May and June. “I’ve been in this so long and I know what’s ahead,” James said. “This will not be the most adversity that we face. Can you even call that adversity, a two-game losing streak? I don’t think so.” Irving’s poor defense and propensity to dribble too much has come under fire again in recent days. The Cavs’ pick-and-roll defense has suffered in recent games while guards get to the lane too easily against him. Then a report from ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith surfaced Monday that Irving wants out of Cleveland. Talk of Irving wanting out dates back to the losing years prior to James’ return. Those around Irving began talking of his exit strategy as far back as his second season in the NBA, although it all vanished after Irving signed a five-year extension to remain in Cleveland. Now, at least briefly, it has returned. “There’s nothing to really address,” Irving said. “I know what we have and the opportunity we have in order to be something special. … All that other stuff, what everyone is going to say … it has no effect on my life or what’s going on. It’s all about winning and winning a championship for Cleveland.” As for any adversity the Cavs might face, to this point they have created a lot of it for themselves with their refusal to often play a complete game. After the Miami Heat lost in their first NBA Finals appearance together, James said they returned the next season angry. This team has more California cool than anger. They squandered the late lead to the Toronto Raptors when Kyle Lowry scored a career-high 43 points, then watched John Wall blitz a lethargic defense Sunday in a blowout loss to the Wizards. The same was true in Monday’s 100-96 win over the Indiana Pacers. They Cavs waited until the final seven minutes before returning to an attacking, aggressive defensive style that ultimately won them the game. But they waited until the end to do it. “We’ve done it all year,” Kevin Love said. “I do not know (why). We’re very talented and sometimes we get away with being so talented, but if we could just sustain and turn it on and keep it on we’re so much better.” By Akron Beacon Journal MailTribune.com By Akron Beacon Journal Posted Mar. 1, 2016 at 8:43 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501