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SportsPulse: USA TODAY Sports' Jeff Zillgitt tells us what he's hearing about the health issues that have forced Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue to take a leave of absence. USA TODAY Sports
Consider LeBron James against any sort of changes to the current postseason structure.
An idea of a play-in tournament was floated to James on Wednesday at the Cleveland Cavaliers' shootaround, to which James coolly replied: “That’s wack.”
“You’ve got to earn your spot to be in the postseason," he said. "No consolation for finishing last. That’s corny.”
The idea, which stems from an ESPN report and wouldn’t be adopted until 2020 or 2021, if at all, calls for a four-team tournament between seeds 7-10 to determine the final two playoff seeds in each conference.
Either way, James isn't for any sort of tournament.
“Even if my record is better than yours?” he said. “Nah, that’s wack.”
"That's corny. That's wack."
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) March 21, 2018
Safe to say LeBron wouldn't be a fan of an NBA playoff play-in tournament. (via @Cavs) pic.twitter.com/35Q0rKdBNq
Another proposal, which commissioner Adam Silver mentioned at All-Star weekend in February, focuses on re-seeding playoff teams 1-16 regardless of conference affiliation.
“That is something that’s gotten serious attention, not just recently, but over the last few years at the league office,” Silver said. “I think, as I’ve said in the past, the obstacle is travel, and it’s not tradition in my mind, at least.”
Follow USA TODAY Sports' Michael Singer on Twitter @msinger
LeBron James through the years
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Dec. 12, 2002: 17-year-old phenom LeBron James of St. Vincent-St. Mary High school during pregame warmup against Oak Hill Academy at Cleveland State University's Convocation Center.
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY
Dec. 22, 2002: LeBron James of St. Vincent-St. Mary High school drives to the basket at the Palestra in Philadelphia.
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY
Jan. 4, 2003: LeBron James drives the baseline on D.J. Strawberry during a game against Mater Dei High School of Santa Ana.
Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
March 15, 2003: LeBron James celebrates with his mother, Gloria James, after a win against Ottawa-Glandorf during the Ohio High School Athletic Association Boys' basketball Regional Tournament.
J.D. Pooley, AP
June 26, 2003: LeBron James, the first pick of the NBA Draft and Carmelo Anthony, the third pick, chat before the draft.
Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY
June 26, 2003: LeBron James, the first pick at the NBA Draft in NYC, with NBA commissioner David Stern.
Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY
July 5, 2003: Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James works with assistant coach Bob Donewald Jr. during practice at Orlando's six team instructional league.
Scott Audette, AP
Oct. 2, 2003: Chris Kyle spritzes Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James during a photo shoot at the Cavaliers Media Day.
Tony Dejak, AP
Oct. 29, 2003: Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James and Darius Miles walk into Arco Arena in Sacramento Calif., for their season opener with the Kings.
Steve Yeater, Associated Press
Nov. 5, 2003: LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony talk on the court during James' first home game.
Ron Schwane, AP
Nov. 15, 2003: LeBron James goes up for a dunk on a first-quarter breakaway against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Mark Duncan, AP
Dec. 3, 2003: LeBron James protests a call during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Chris Pizzello, AP
Jan. 12, 2004: LeBron James drives the baseline on the Lakers' Kobe Bryant during first half action at Staples Center.
Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
Feb. 4, 2004: LeBron James stands with the Los Angeles Lakers' Shaquille O'Neal during overtime.
Mark Duncan, AP
Feb. 13, 2004: LeBron James soars through the air for a dunk during the NBA Rookie Challenge.
Kevork Djansezian, AP
June 12, 2004: LeBron James and Ken Griffey Jr. share a laugh before the Cincinnati Reds play the Cleveland Indians.
Ron Schwane, AP
Aug. 17, 2004: LeBron James shows his enthusiasm near the end of regulation of Team USA vs. Greece at the 2004 Olympic Games.
Robert Scheer, USA TODAY
Aug. 27, 2004: Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James watch from the bench near the end of their semi-final game against Argentina at the 2004 Olympic Games.
Dusan Vranic, AP
May 3, 2005: LeBron James talks on the phone while watching Game 5 of the NBA first round playoff series between the Detroit Pistons and the Philadelphia 76ers.
Carlos Osorio, AP
Sept. 8, 2005: LeBron James picks out products at a Sams Club to be shipped to help survivors of Hurricane Katrina.
Ron Schwane, AP
Nov. 8, 2005: Nike erected this 110-foot high, 212-foot long billboard of LeBron James across the street from Quicken Loans Arena.
Nike
April 22, 2006: LeBron James heads up court against the Washington Wizards in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round during the 2006 NBA Playoffs.
Gregory Shamus, Getty Images
August 18, 2006: Dwyane Wade speaks to LeBron James during their official training session of the Group D preliminary round in the World Basketball Championship in Sapporo.
Toshifumi Kitamura, AFP/Getty Images
Feb. 17, 2007: Shaquille O'Neal and LeBron James dance together during NBA All-Star basketball practice in Las Vegas.
Kevork Djansezian, AP
June 14, 2007: Tim Duncan and LeBron James prepare for a play during Game 4 of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. The Spurs won the series in four games.
Jeff Haynes, AFP/Getty Images
Nov. 16, 2007: LeBron James drives to the basket in front of Carlos Boozer.
Tony Dejak, AP
Nov. 18, 2008: LeBron James throws chalk dust into the air before playing a game against the New Jersey Nets.
Bill Kostroun, AP
April 26, 2009: LeBron James throws down a break away dunk in front of Antonio McDyess in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first round during the 2009 NBA Playoffs.
Gregory Shamus, Getty Images
May 4, 2009: LeBron James poses with his trophy after being named the NBA Most Valuable Player for the first time in his career.
Amy Sancetta, AP
May 9, 2009: LeBron James leaves the court after the Cavaliers defeated the Atlanta Hawks in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Dale Zanine, US Presswire
May 22, 2009: LeBron James celebrates after making the game-winning three-pointer against the Orlando Magic in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Gregory Shamus, Getty Images
Nov. 6, 2009: Rap artist Jay-Z greets LeBron James at the end of a Cavaliers-Knicks game.
Kathy Kmonicek, AP
May 2, 2010: LeBron James applauds during a speech by Cavs owner Dan Gilbert during the ceremony for his second NBA MVP award.
Phil Long, AP
July 8, 2010: LeBron James and ESPN's Jim Gray speak during James' announcement of his decision to play for the Miami Heat.
Larry Busacca, Getty Images for Estabrook Group
July 8, 2010: Cleveland Cavaliers fans set fire to LeBron James' jerseys after James announced he is leaving the Cavaliers to join the Miami Heat.
Phil Masturzo, AP
July 9, 2010: LeBron James greets fans as he is introduced during his welcome party at American Airlines Arena.
Doug Benc, Getty Images
July 9, 2010: The Big Three --Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James -- are introduced to fans during a welcome party at American Airlines Arena.
Doug Benc, Getty Images
July 9, 2010: Young fans show their crossed out LeBron James jerseys outside Quicken Loans Arena.
Marvin Fong, AP
July 11, 2010: The 10-story banner of former Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James is taken down by workers in downtown Cleveland.
Amy Sancetta, AP
Nov, 29, 2010: LeBron James dunks during a game against the Washington Wizards at American Airlines Arena.
Mike Ehrmann, Getty Images
Dec. 6, 2010: Dwyane Wade reacts as teammate LeBron James goes up for a dunk during the first half of a game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Morry Gash, AP
June 5, 2011: LeBron James sits on the court as court attendants mop up liquid in the second half of Game 3 of the 2011 NBA Finals. The Heat lost the series in six games.
Ronald Martinez, Getty Images
May 12, 2012: LeBron James reads the inscription after he accepts his third NBA MVP trophy.
Wilfredo Lee, AP
June 21, 2012: LeBron James dunks against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter of Game 5 in the 2012 NBA Finals.
Robert Mayer, US Presswire
June 21, 2012: LeBron James celebrates with Dwyane Wade after winning his first NBA championship.
Steve Mitchell, US Presswire
June 21, 2012: LeBron James holds up the Larry O'Brien Trophy after winning his first NBA championship.
Derick E. Hingle, US Presswire
July 27, 2012: LeBron James and Kobe Bryant stand on a stage during a press conference in preparation for the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Presse Sports, US Presswire
Aug 12, 2012: LeBron James celebrates with an American flag after defeating Spain 107-100 during the men's basketball gold medal game in the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Rob Schumacher, USA TODAY
Jan. 28, 2013:Dwyane Wade and LeBron James laugh and enjoy the moment as President Obama honors the NBA Champion Miami Heat at the White House.
Jack Gruber, USAT
Feb. 24, 2013: Kyrie Irving looks over at LeBron James as James goes up against his former team.
Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports
March 18, 2013: LeBron James celebrates after scoring the go-ahead basket during a game against the Boston Celtics.
Greg M. Cooper, USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2013: LeBron James smiles before receiving his fourth MVP award.
Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports
June 20, 2013: LeBron James holds the MVP trophy and the Larry O'Brien Championship trophy after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Game 7 in the 2013 NBA Finals.
Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports
June 20, 2013: LeBron James and the Miami Heat celebrate in the locker room after Game 7 of the NBA championship against the San Antonio Spurs.
Wilfredo Lee, AP
July 17, 2013: LeBron James and Savannah Brinson attend the 2013 ESPY Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live.
Christopher Polk/ Getty Images for ESPY
Dec. 20, 2013: LeBron James salutes before a game against the Sacramento Kings.
Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports
Feb. 15, 2014: Rapper Rick Ross and LeBron James attend a GQ party.
Michael Loccisano, Getty Images for GQ
Feb 27, 2014: LeBron James puts on his protective mask during the first half of a game against the New York Knicks.
Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports
May 24, 2014: LeBron James celebrates after a basket against the Indiana Pacers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports
June 5, 2014: LeBron James dunks the ball during the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the 2014 NBA Finals.
Soobum Im, USA TODAY Sports
June 15, 2014: LeBron James and Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra react on the sideline during a loss against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the 2014 NBA Finals. This was James' final game with the Heat.
Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports
July 11, 2014: Fans cheer outside Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland after LeBron James announced he would return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Mark Duncan, AP
Sep. 26, 2014: The new Big Three -- Kevin Love, LeBron James and Kyrie Irving -- pose for a photo during media day.
Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 1, 2014: Jackie Custer, 16, embraces Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James after an NBA scrimmage.
Tony Dejak, AP
Oct 30, 2014: Traffic backs up outside of Quicken Loans Arena where a new LeBron James mural was installed.
David Richard, USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2014: LeBron James dunks the ball during a game against the Boston Celtics.
Mark L. Baer, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 25, 2014: Dwyane Wade sizes up LeBron James during a game at American Airlines Arena. This was James' first game against his former team.
Mike Ehrmann, Getty Images
Jan. 12, 2015: Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott greets LeBron James after the 2015 National Championship Game.
Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports
April 8, 2015: LeBron James reacts after making a basket during the fourth quarter of a game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Jeff Hanisch, USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2015: LeBron James dunks against the Boston Celtics during the second half in Game 3 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports
June 16, 2015: LeBron James walks off the court after losing to the Golden State Warriors in Game 6 of the NBA Finals.
Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports
July 17, 2015: Amy Schumer with LeBron James in a scene from the motion picture "Trainwreck."
Mary Cybulski, Universal Pictures
Oct. 7, 2015: LeBron James takes a selfie with young fans during a timeout in the second half of a preseason game against the Atlanta Hawks.
Joe Robbins, Getty Images
March 10, 2016: LeBron James jokes with Kobe Bryant during Bryant's farewell tour.
Harry How, Getty Images
May 23, 2016: LeBron James reacts after dunking against Toronto Raptors in the second quarter of Game 4 of the Eastern conference finals.
Dan Hamilton, USA TODAY Sports
June 19, 2016: LeBron James celebrates with the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy after beating the Golden State Warriors in Game 7 of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena for the first championship in Cavaliers history.
Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports
June 19, 2016: LeBron James and J.R. Smith celebrate after winning Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors.
Nathaniel S. Butler, NBAE/Getty Images
Dec. 17, 2017: LeBron James wears special "Equality" shoes during a win over the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C.
Brad Mills, USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 23, 2018: LeBron James celebrates after scoring his 30,000 career point in a game against the San Antonio Spurs. James is the seventh player in NBA history to reach the 30,000-point milestone.
Soobum Im, USA TODAY Sports
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