LeBron James Injury Update: The King Uncertain to Play at Opener vs. Boston Celtics Due to Hurt Ankle
Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James, also known as "King James," is still uncertain to play for the team's home opener versus the Boston Celtics this Tuesday night because of his injured ankle.
James' recent ankle injury was the reason why he missed a number of the team's preseason games. Sports Illustrated added that the Cavaliers' star player did not fully join the team's Sunday practice because of it.
Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue confirmed James' uncertain appearance at the Tuesday night game to the Associated Press.
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Lue also said that they cannot determine for sure yet whether James will miss their first game for the season. He said: "He's got to see how it feels."
When asked how James got hurt -- which does not normally happen -- the coach said: "It's something that he's been trying to work on. He tried to come back and play and he might have tweaked it on that spin move, and that could have set him back a little bit."
On the other hand, teammate J.R. Smith is more positive that the King will play on Tuesday night. Smith told reporters after their Monday practice: "We were talking about it. He's never missed, since he was 8 years old and he started playing, he's never missed a first game. I'm preparing for him to play."
What makes the Cavaliers' home opener game even more interesting is the fact that it will be against the Boston Celtics -- Kyrie Irving's new team.
During the offseason, Irving's trade was one of the most talked-about trade deals in the league. He was joined by Gordon Hayward in the transfer to Boston. In the exchange, the Celtics gave the Cavs Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and a couple of draft picks for the coming years.
Despite losing Irving, the Cleveland Cavaliers also made some heavy acquisitions during the offseason. Apart from the players coming from the Celtics, they also signed Derrick Rose and Dwyane Wade both for one year.
As of writing, James' status is still listed as day-to-day, but he was able to join Tuesday morning's shootaround, according to reports.
