(USA TODAY Sports)

For a time allegedly rife with struggle, the Cleveland Cavaliers have managed to persevere rather well. The Cavaliers are 18-12, 5 1/2 games out of first place in the Eastern Conference. Yet, the perception exists of a splintering relationship between coach David Blatt, LeBron James, and the rest of the locker room.

That perception increased following Sunday’s 103-80 drubbing at the hands of the 7-23 Detroit Pistons. It was an ugly game, and afterwards Blatt noted a lack of energy and competitiveness from his team. On Monday, and ESPN report asserted that in “team circles” there was concern over Blatt’s methods.

Brad Windhorst went so far as to say that LeBron James had changed his role to point guard without bothering to consult his coach. It’s a report James denies, but it begs a question.

So what?

Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports

So what if it’s true, and James is running things without Blatt’s knowledge?

Would anyone contest that the Cleveland Cavaliers are LeBron’s team more than Blatt’s? This is James’ team and it should be run his way. Not because he’s needy or arrogant, and not because the team is in crisis or Blatt is incompetent. But because he is the best player in the NBA – someone with 11 more years experience in the league than his coach, and the one guy on the roster with two championships to his name. Lean on him, die by him. It’s not like the original plan was to play through Dion Waiters.

If James is running the team independent of Blatt, the coach should continue to let him. If it gets him the response and fire he believes is missing, why not? If it works, Blatt is praised for his personnel tactics. If it doesn’t, well, Blatt is no worse off really.

The game is going through James regardless. How it gets there is circumstantial.