LeBron James and Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert are at odds over the team's spending on payroll, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst.
James, who on Monday publicly blasted the Cavs' roster for not being deep enough, reportedly believes that the team has slowed "new spending" after winning a championship last year.
According to Windhorst, James' public criticisms "angered" Gilbert, who spent an NBA record $161 million in payroll and luxury tax last season and has spent the most of any NBA team over the past three seasons.
The dispute over the Cavs' payroll is reportedly "straining" James and Gilbert's relationship.
According to Windhorst, when James returned to the Cavaliers in 2014, he spoke to Gilbert about his willingness to spend unconditionally to build a championship contender. Gilbert agreed, and James joined the team.