Timofey Mozgov Taking Heat From LeBron James

Is LeBron James Too Tough on Timofey Mozgov?

LeBron James as always been known to express his concerns about players mistakes during games. As someone with as much talent as LeBron has, it’s understandable that he sets a pretty high standard for his teammates.

His latest rants seem to focused on Cleveland Cavaliers’ center, Timofey Mozgov. In recent games, LeBron has made it clear that he is not impressed by Mozgov’s defense, play making ability, and not using all of his 7-foot-1 275-pound frame.

This isn’t the first time that LeBron has targeted a teammate in hopes that they improves their play. In his last stunt with Cleveland, James made it clear that J.J. Hickson was not performing as well as he needed to. James reviled that he wasn’t happy with the big man’s work ethic.

Before Mozgov, James’ most recent target was Miami Heat point guard, Mario Chalmers. Chalmers always took the heat from teammates for his unexecuted plays and missed defensive assignments. Cameras found James yelling at Chalmers numerous times throughout games because of this.

However, James has recently admitted that his tough love approach may not be the best way to approach his teammates.

“I think I may have to change my approach a little bit,” James told ESPN. “A lot of it is predicated on how much he means to our success, how big of an impact he made once he got here last year. And when you see that type of impact, you expect it. And you expect it every single night and you expect it consistently, but I may have to change my approach how I lead him. I think I’ll figure a way out. I’ll figure another method.”

It’s showed that Mozgov has been testing LeBron’s patience both in games and practice. During practice earlier this year, Mozgov collided with Anderson Varejao during a drill and fell to the floor. James could be heard yelling, “you can’t make this s— up,” referring to Mozgov. James has also made it clear that Mozgov isn’t the only person he is irritated with. During the second half comeback against the New York Knicks, cameras caught James yelling at his team, “Yo! You m—–f—–s gonna play? Y’all gonna play?”

Surprisingly, this approach hasn’t gotten all bad reactions from teammates. Forward, Tristan Thompson, has told reporters, “That’s what we expect from our leader. If he’s not going to push us, then who is going to?”

James says that he does it because it’s what he has to do. “I’m the leader of this team, whatever it takes,” James said. “So if it’s laying into them, I’ll do that. I also lead other ways as well. Obviously that makes more headlines than others, but whatever this team needs I’m going to do. I’m going to hold everyone accountable, including myself. And I expect nothing less than greatness out of all of us and if we’re not able to do that, then I feel like I’m failing.”

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To Mozgov, having James get on him for sloppy play is something he understands. “You know, you got to understand that he wants to win and he puts a lot of work on the court,” Mozgov told ESPN.com. “He wants to expect people to do the same. It’s simple.”

(Editor’s Note: Timo went out with a sore shoulder last night. Could be interesting, if Mozgov misses some time, what happens when he returns given LBJ’s relationship with Thompson, the Cavs backup center.)

What do you think about how LeBron James has dealt with Timofey Mozgov this year?