Monday, January 26, 2004
The 19-year-old rookie has missed three games since injuring his ankle.
COMBINED DISPATCHES
CLEVELAND -- Cavaliers rookie LeBron James practiced for the first time since spraining his right ankle and said he might play tonight against Orlando.
James has missed three games since getting hurt on Jan. 17 against Utah. He had been limited to just shooting this past week, but was able to make it through a full practice Sunday.
He said he was able to push off the ankle and cut on it.
The No. 1 overall draft pick wanted to see how his ankle felt following this morning's shootaround before deciding whether to play against the Magic.
"It was a little stiff at first," James said following the workout. "We'll play it by ear. If it feels great, I'll play. If not, I'll extend my four-game sitting streak."
The Cavs upgraded James from doubtful to probable on their injury report, but coach Paul Silas said they'll rest their 19-year-old standout as long as needed.
"It's up to him if he feels he can go," Silas said. "I'd like to see him try, but I'm not going to rush it, naturally."
Silas isn't surprised James is still favoring the ankle.
"It's normal," Silas said. "Eventually, you've got to get out there and let your adrenaline take over and get into the game and you won't even think about it."
Cleveland has gone 2-1 without its leading scorer. James is averaging 20.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists.
"The chemistry on the team is very good right now," Silas said. "The guys are in a good frame of mind, and we're getting a lot of production from a lot of people. All's well right now."
Forward Tony Battie, who also missed the game Saturday, returned to practice wearing a brace on his left knee. He bruised and slightly hyperextended it in the loss Thursday to Sacramento. The team also has listed him as probable for tonight.
"We're just trying to get the pain out," Battie said. "I can play through soreness."