You knew after the Cleveland Cavaliers were unexpectedly blown out by the Indiana Pacers in Sunday's Game 1 of their best-of-seven series that there would be plenty of noise nationally.
It's why LeBron James chooses to go into what he calls "Zero Dark Thirty-23" mode and stays off of social media during the playoffs.
One national analyst made plenty of noise during a radio appearance on ESPN 850 WKNR's 'ESPN Cleveland Tonight' on Monday evening.
Dan Dakich, ESPN college basketball analyst and 1070 'The Fan' radio host in Indianapolis, delivered some explosive opinions about James when hosts Dave Skoczen and Jason Gibbs asked about the drama that tends to follow the four-time NBA MVP.
"I know people in Cleveland that would tell you that it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if he left (this summer in free agency) because let's be honest: He's great for the city, great for the NBA, brought a title to Cleveland, but dealing with him on a daily basis is exhausting," Dakich began.
Dakich believes if the Pacers are ever going to beat the Cavs, "now is the year, because they aren't as good" as the Wine and Gold have been in the past. "LeBron always overcomes the drama with his play, but they don't have a very good team. They just don't have 'real guys' like Kyrie anymore."
James posted a triple-double in the Game 1 loss against Indiana at the Q, posting 24 points, dishing out 12 assists, and grabbing 10 rebounds, but Dakich was less than impressed.
"I've seen this before. I know when a guy is out there playing and when a guy is competing," Dakich told Gibbs and Skoczen. "I thought he (James) was disinterested and had a look about him that once fans were booing, he said 'you know what, you're going to boo me after all I've done for you, the hell with it'."
Listen to more from Dan Dakich about LeBron James below:
As far as what the Cavaliers need to do to bounce back, Dakich said, "Offensively the Cavs need say 'look we can get these threes anytime we want, but we've gotta move the defense, drive the recovery guy, shot fakes. go past guys, make Indiana move'."
"Whoever it is guarding him, can't let Victor Oladipo get comfortable," Dakich added. "You gotta keep him going right and left, you can't let him drive right at you. Make him uncomfortable."
You can listen to the entire interview by subscribing to ESPN Cleveland's Land on Demand here.
