NBA 2014: LeBron James denies rift in Cleveland Cavaliers locker room after woeful start to season

LEBRON James denied reports of a rift in the Cleveland locker room, rejecting claims that he exchanged words with teammate Kyrie Irving.

Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James (23) looks at the scoreboard in the second quarter during an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz, Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

LEBRON James denied reports of a rift in the Cleveland locker room, rejecting claims that he exchanged words with young Cavaliers teammate Kyrie Irving.

James, the four-time NBA MVP who returned to the Cavs this season after four campaigns with Miami, called an ESPN report that he and Irving were at odds after this week’s loss to Portland “very false.”

James was reported to be irked that Irving wasn’t trying to get his teammates — and James in particular — more involved in the Cavaliers’ offensive efforts.

Irving, a two-time all-star and MVP in helping the United States win the FIBA World Cup in Spain this year, doesn’t have an assist in his last six quarters played.

For fans dismayed by the Cavaliers’ 1-3 start to the season, James offered simple advice.

“RELAX”, he posted on Twitter, citing the same comment made by Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has helped the Packers overcome a slow start to the NFL season to challenge for the NFC North Division title.

“It’s just a message for everyone to understand how important the process is,” James elaborated, prior to Cleveland’s game at Denver.

“Everyone wants overnight success. It just doesn’t happen in team sports when teams first come together.”

Originally published as NBA 2014: LeBron James denies rift in Cleveland Cavaliers locker room after woeful start to season