LeBron, Shaq enjoy Cavs honeymoon

INDEPENDENCE (AP) — Mike Brown still can’t believe he is coaching two superstars.

Mo Williams called it destiny.

The Cavaliers don’t care if destiny equals dynasty — they’d be happy to win that first NBA championship.

LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal have practiced together for only two days. Despite the small sample size, Williams has seen enough to expect the 7-foot-1 O’Neal will blend nicely with James.

“It’s like a relationship that was destined to happen, it just took too long to happen,” Williams said. “It’s almost like they’re made for each other, especially in our offense. Shaq will fit right in where we’re not trying to force feed him, it will just happen.”

The Cavaliers hope O’Neal is the answer to the team’s post problems after Cleveland won a franchise-best 66 games during the regular season, but failed to get past Orlando and Dwight Howard in the Eastern Conference finals. With the team seeking help for James, who could become a free agent after the season, the Cavaliers are counting on O’Neal as the inside physical force the team has lacked in chasing a title.

“It’s a little weird seeing two of the best out on the floor at the same time, but they’re both very good guys first of all,” Brown said. “Both have great personalities and both want to win. They seem like they fit. They seem like they’ve been together for a while. It’s been entertaining to say the least.”

The Cavaliers’ first scrimmage is Saturday night in James’ hometown of Akron, while the first preseason game is next Tuesday.

“It’s a dream come true,” James said of playing with O’Neal. “You always want to play with a great. It’s awesome to be out on the same court with him. He’s in really good shape, honestly. It’s still early.”

James said Wednesday he isn’t worried about who will be the focal point of the offense.

“I can make adjustments no matter what goes on,” James said. “Me and Shaq will be features of the offense with Mo, also. I can play off Shaq, he can play off me, so it doesn’t matter.”

West absent again

Delonte West was absent from training camp for the second straight day Wednesday while he deals with personal issues.

Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry has spoken at length with West, Brown said, adding that the absence is unexcused and that West will be fined.

Ferry declined to meet with reporters Wednesday.

“We’ve been around this block before with Delonte, so we know how to handle it,” James said. “I’m sure he’ll be OK. Basketball has nothing to do with what’s going on. He needs to take as much time as he needs, and when he comes back, we’ll welcome him as we’ve always done.”

James said he called West but didn’t get an answer.

West, who has battled depression and mood disorders for years, also could face suspension by the league after he was recently arrested for gun possession in Maryland. Police pulled over his three-wheel motorcycle for a traffic violation and found he was carrying three loaded weapons — two handguns and a shotgun in a guitar case he had on his back.

He also missed 10 days last year during training camp to seek help for his mental illness.

“We’re all concerned about Delonte’s well-being. We love him and we’re all in the same family,” Brown said. “But in the same breath, we’re all paid to do a job and that’s what we’re doing. I’ve got 18 guys here I have to coach every day and that’s what I’m doing.”