LeBron James says Cavs' David Blatt gets criticized because of him

LeBron James’ game-winning jumper in Sunday’s playoff win at Chicago should be what everyone is talking about. But a day after hitting the third game-winner in his playoff career, James is trying to quiet a controversy that he helped to ignite.

James said Cavs coach David Blatt is being criticized because he’s the coach of the four-time MVP.

LeBron on criticism Blatt is facing for Game 4: "He's catching heat because he's coaching me, that's all that is"

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 11, 2015

The controversy began after James volunteered information that he overrode his coach’s play call, which called for James to inbound the ball with less than 2 seconds remaining instead of shooting it.

“To be honest, the play that was drawn up, I scratched it,” James told reporters Sunday. “I just told Coach, ‘Give me the ball.’ We’re either going to go to overtime or I’m going to win it for us.' It was that simple.”

LJ says changing play "no different than a great quarterback calling an audible"

— Rick Noland MG/CT (@RickNoland) May 11, 2015

To his credit, Blatt took the blame for his call, among other things.

David Blatt when asked about facing criticism on the job: pic.twitter.com/OfmBvGl006

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 11, 2015

The relationship between the superstar player and his rookie coach has been one of several ongoing story lines during James’ return to the Cavaliers after four seasons with the Heat.

There have been reports of tension and a lack of cohesion all season, but as the team has improved, things quieted down. James then unintentionally brought back all the angst. 

Now, he's hoping everyone will forget it. 

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