LeBron James is back into action after injuring his left ankle during practice. The Cleveland Cavaliers are 0-4 during the preseason and James' return failed to stop the drought. Nevertheless, the 32-year-old forward made an impressive 17 points in the team's 108-94 loss to the Chicago Bulls. James admits, he hasn't been 100 percent on the floor and somehow it dragged the team to their fourth consecutive preseason loss.
"Tonight I was off," James said. "I could feel it. It's just my first action since the Finals and my timing was a little off and turnovers I think just trickled down to everybody, so I made everyone's timing off." According to ESPN, his performance was understandable given how he's adjusting to two things; his injury and his new teammates that apparently covered more than half of the Cavs starting players.
LeBron James ankle injury
LeBron James missed the Cavs' first three preseason games after injuring his left ankle. Accidentally stepping on teammate Cedi Osman's foot, James twisted his left ankle, sidelining him for almost two weeks. Fortunately, his x-ray came out negative but precautionary measures prevented him from playing.
Coach Tyronn Lue, on the other hand, came to James' defense saying he hasn't played for quite some time. His rhythm is clearly unstable but states, he's not worried at all. "He'll be OK. Tonight is his first night playing in a long time. He'll get his rhythm. I'm not too worried about that," he said.
Meanwhile, James doesn't expect the team to have full control of their game in the one week time they've been together.
"It's going to be for the whole season. We're going to have changes." He also said that even the start of the regular season, his team may not display the team they hoped to be but instead, a squad that continues to improve through the season.
The Cavs first squad lineup
The Cleveland Cavaliers starting lineup are all patched from different teams playing for one team this season.
Dwyane Wade has taken the place of J.R. Smith and Jae Crowder has since taken over Tristan Thompson's position. Derrick Rose, on the other hand, is playing for Isaiah Thomas who is still unable to play due to a hip injury. The team expects him to play before the year ends.
Meanwhile, J.R. Smith said he's not at all bothered by Coach Lue's decision to put Wade into action instead of him. He says that as long as the team is competing for the championship he's ready to sacrifice in order to achieve that.
