INDEPENDENCE: LeBron James is no longer a lock to play in Tuesday’s season opener because of ongoing back issues, but the Cavs still believe he’ll be ready to play when the season begins.
It’s becoming more apparent, however, that James has reached the point in his career where his back will always be a concern.
James did not practice again Friday and has not practiced since receiving an injection in his back last Tuesday, his second such anti-inflammatory injection in the last 10 months. Coach David Blatt said earlier in the week James would “absolutely” be ready for the opener, but that seems to be softening – James said he hasn’t been cleared yet by the training staff to even practice.