LeBron cuts off Cavs playoff talk: 'We could easily get bounced early'

The Cleveland Cavaliers' recent defensive frailties aren't giving LeBron James much confidence.

After allowing a season-worst 148 points to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday - their ninth loss in the last 12 games - and hitting what feels like rock bottom, a candid James admitted postgame he doesn't believe the Cavaliers should expect to last long in the postseason if they were to get underway in the coming days.

"Playoffs? We can't even start thinking about that, not the way we're playing right now," James said, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "We could easily get bounced early in the playoffs if they started next weekend. Haven't even began thinking about the postseason."

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Since their Christmas Day loss to the Golden State Warriors, opponents have routed the Cavaliers at an average of 114.8 points a night, outpacing Cleveland's 105.3.

Efficiently speaking, however, the Cavaliers have devolved into one of the worst defensive teams across the NBA, as their 109.8 points allowed per 100 possessions ranks second-last only to the Sacramento Kings (110.2). Their issues appear to accentuate when James is on the floor, allowing 112 points per 100 possessions with him on the court.

Though the numbers suggest no one is free from blame, James is adamant the responsibility to keep the side poised falls solely on him.

"I can't break," he said. "I'm the last one that can break at this point. I'm the leader of this team. Hopefully we can get some wins, and that definitely helps, but I'm going to stay as positive as I can be.

"You guys know me, patience is not always been a thing for me, but knowing the rough patch that we're in right now, that's what I'm going to give to this team. Just stay positive."