The reason it looks like LeBron James cares a little bit less now than he did a few years ago might just be that he cares a little bit less now than he did a few years ago.

David Griffin, James’ GM in Cleveland, is squarely in that camp.

“There wasn’t a lot else for him (after winning in 2016),” Griffin told Sports Illustrated. “I don’t think he’s the same animal anymore about winning.”

Despite winning the East in 2017, the Cavaliers’ effort noticeably dropped off, especially on the defensive side of the ball, an issue Griffin paints as one of culture.

Though Griffin, now the Pelicans’ executive vice president of basketball operations, says James was willing to accept feedback on basketball decision-making, that culture was promulgated further by the Cavs adding veterans who had already won (and who happened to be James’ best pals).

“Everything we did was so inorganic and unsustainable and, frankly, not fun. I was miserable,” Griffin says. “Literally the moment we won the championship I knew I was gonna leave. There was no way I was gonna stay for any amount of money.”

After the 2016 title, things got worse. Though the Cavs were able to win games regardless, it belied the problem — which the Warriors easily exposed in the Finals two years in a row.

“There was somebody better than me at keeping them on task after we won,” Griffin said. “I did a really sh—y job of bringing enough urgency to the next year.”

According to the story, most around the league are in agreement with Griffin’s assessment that James is not in LA to win titles. Instead, people think he wants to keep playing long enough to team up with his son, Bronny, and eventually own a franchise.

In short, the Lakers might be faced with the same problem that prevented Cleveland from a repeat title.

“There were a lot of things we didn’t do in terms of infrastructure, there were a lot of things we didn’t do in terms of culture within the staff,” Griffin said. “I know why we didn’t win championships.”