LeBron: Tough to stay motivated after Finals trips, but we'll turn it around

The Cleveland Cavaliers are struggling, and LeBron James thinks complacency may be to blame.

After all, the Cavs have worked their tails off to secure three consecutive trips to the NBA Finals, so it's natural for players to take their proverbial foot off the pedal.

"I think that it's going to be challenging on the guys that's been here the last few years to continue to try to motivate themselves to want to get back to the Finals," James explained, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

"... Got to figure out a way to motivate yourself to get back to that top level of game. I know where my mind is. I've done it seven straight years, so I know how to get back into the flow of things. I know how to mentally prepare myself for a long haul, so it's going to be challenging, but I think we should be up for it."

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The three-time NBA champion is averaging 25.6 points, 8.9 dimes, 7.3 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and 1.1 steals, but his team still finds itself in the lower rungs of the Eastern Conference at 3-5, with the losses coming by an average margin of 16.8 points.

James, 32, said it's "OK" that they're struggling, as it was bound to happen, though he indicated the timing is "surprising."

Head coach Tyronn Lue is hopeful the early slump will work out in his team's favor.

"I think it makes us better," Lue said. "I think going through it now early in the season, instead of going through it late when you want to hit your peak and playing great going into the playoffs. Right now, it's a rough patch, but it's no excuse. We have to be better and we will."

James agreed.

"It is what it is and it's exciting to see how we can turn this thing around."