LeBron James offers to come off bench for Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James said he would come off the bench if it would help the team. James has started 881 of 882 games in his career, coming off the bench in December 2007 after returning from an injured finger.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James said he would come off the bench if it would help the team, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reports.

James has started 881 of 882 games in his career, coming off the bench in December 2007 after returning from an injured finger.

The Cavaliers have won 11 straight games, and James said he would sacrifice his starting spot if it would help the team continue its hot play.

"It's all about the team and for me being the leader of the team, it doesn't matter," James said. "Whatever this team needs in order for us to win, I'll come off the bench. I'm serious. I'll come off the bench. If it helps our team, that's what it's about, man.

"It's about a team and how we all fit together, how the five guys on the court fit together, how the eight guys or 10 guys on the bench all help the guys that are on the floor and so on and so on. So, sacrifice is the biggest word in team sports, but it's not about saying it. It's about doing it, as well. It's about living it."

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Since returning from back and knee injuries last month, James has averaged 28.8 points, 6.7 assists and 6.0 assists while shooting 49.6 percent from the field. Cavaliers coach David Blatt responded to James' comments by saying he has not thought about bringing James off the bench.

Earlier this week, James said Kevin Love's recent play is a result of a lack of confidence in his jump shot. Love dismissed James' assessment, saying he is just trying to fill his role on the team. During Cleveland's winning streak, Love is averaging 13.9 points and 11.0 rebounds.

The Cavaliers are the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 30-20 record. They host the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday.

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