James’ status for opener is unclear

Associated Press

INDEPENDENCE

The season opener is four days away and there are doubts LeBron James will be ready.

James still isn’t practicing because of a troublesome back and there’s no guarantee he’ll be on the floor when the Cavs begin their quest for an NBA title on Tuesday in Chicago.

The four-time MVP received an anti-inflammatory injection in his back on Oct. 13, but hasn’t practiced since as he hasn’t been cleared by Cleveland’s medical and training staffs. James, who played in just two of Cleveland’s seven preseason games, said Friday that he’s not positive he’ll be on the floor against the Bulls.

“If everything goes right,” he said. “We feel like we’re progressing really well and if we can continue to do that, then I’m optimistic that I’ll be able to go.”

Earlier this week, Cavs coach David Blatt said James would “absolutely” play against the Bulls. Now that doesn’t seem nearly as certain, and general manager David Griffin raised the possibility that Cleveland could rest its biggest star for the opener.

“He really wants to compete,” Griffin said. “I don’t think that there’s any reason that he won’t play on Tuesday. We have no reason to believe that, but we also are of the mindset that it wouldn’t be the end of the world if he didn’t play on Tuesday.”