LeBron James a doubt for Cavaliers’ NBA opener against Celtics after preseason injury
James ‘pretty mad’ after suffering sore ankle during defeat in exhibition game by Chicago Bulls
LeBron James will not play in Cleveland’s last preseason game and is questionable for next week’s season opener against Boston, said Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue.
James awoke with a sore left ankle after scoring 17 points in his first preseason appearance, a 108-94 loss to Chicago, and Lue declared he would not practise or play in the exhibition against Orlando this week.
The 32-year-old, who led the Cavs to their first NBA crown in 2016, missed most preseason workouts and three preseason contests with a left ankle sprain suffered on September 27.
Lue said: “[James is] pretty mad, pretty pissed off. But I mean, it is what it is.”
James has not missed a season-opener in 14 NBA campaigns, but Lue hesitated when asked about his availability against Boston next week.
“He got treatment all day today, so I’m not sure if we should be concerned or not,” Lue said. “But it’s pretty sore today so we’ll just see what happens.”
