After many ups and downs this summer, the Cleveland Cavaliers managed to save their offseason by signing a few great players to cheap deals. This includes Dwyane Wade and Derrick Rose, who will be paid less than $4.5 million combined. However, one problem that the Cavaliers have is the health situation of their players, and it seems the injury bug has already bitten them.
Despite having many injury-prone players on the roster, the reigning Eastern Conference champions lost LeBron James to an injury. James, who is one of the most durable players in the entire league, tweaked his ankle during the team practice last week.
The small forward has already dealt with ankle issues, but he's never had a serious problem with it.
Unfortunately, the 32-year old Cavalier will have to miss the upcoming game for Cleveland.
LeBron James' injury
James apparently injured his ankle while he was running in transition during the practice. The four-time MVP accidentally stepped on his teammate's foot, which was the cause of this injury. With regular season just around the corner, injuries are the last thing the Cavaliers need. Isaiah Thomas, who was the third-best scorer in the NBA last season, will most likely be sidelined for a few months, and the Cavaliers cannot afford to lose another player.
Fortunately for the team, x-rays on LeBron's ankle were negative.
However, the forward will have to miss the scrimmage game on Monday night as it wouldn't be smart to put additional pressure on his ankle. While this game won't be competitive as it will be an intrasquad game, James will have to rest and let his ankle heal.
"It just wouldn't be smart," head coach Tyronn Lue said about LeBron and the possibility of him playing in the scrimmage game.
The coach also said James was day to day, meaning there is no estimated timetable for his return.
The Cavaliers will open their preseason on October 4 against the Atlanta Hawks, which will be another home game. Less than two weeks after, Cleveland will play in a regular-season opener against the Boston Celtics. Considering that the regular season is so close, LeBron James won't have much time to rest, but fortunately for the team, the injury is not serious.
Scrimmage game
The annual Wine and Gold scrimmage game will be held at Quicken Loans arena. Fans will get the first look for the new-look Cavaliers, including the latest additions, such as Dwyane Wade, Jae Crowder and Derrick Rose.