LeBron James turned 30 today, and as we all know, no 30th birthday is complete without a little drama. Today, Chris Haynes of Cleveland.com wrote a piece about the up-and-down performance (current position: down, after a blowout loss to the sorry Pistons on Sunday) of the Cavaliers so far this season.

James, who turns 30 today, has no intention of compromising his prime years playing for a sputtering organization. He can opt out of his contract at the end of the season and become a free agent.

Given the massive scrutiny he would endure if he departed Cleveland a second time, if his hand is forced, I’m told he won’t hesitate to make the appropriate business decision if it means bolting.

It isn’t exactly breaking news that LeBron can opt out of his contract after this season. But when sources are leaking that LeBron will make an “appropriate business decision” that’s in his best interest — hot on the heels of LeBron’s lukewarm endorsement of head coach David Blatt — it stands to reason that Cavaliers fans are freaking out already.

So, um, Happy Birthday, LeBron!

[NBA]