David Blatt Thinks LeBron James Will ‘Absolutely’ Be Ready For The Season Opener

The regular season hasn’t even started, but there are already some health concerns surrounding LeBron James. Last week, news surfaced that LeBron received an injection like the one he got last season for his back problems. According to David Blatt though, LeBron’s injury won’t keep him out of any regular season games.

As he tells Dave McMenamin of ESPN, LeBron will almost definitely be ready for the Cavaliers’ season opener:

The Cleveland Cavaliers played their preseason finale without LeBron James in the lineup Monday. However, Cavs coach David Blatt is sure his team’s star will be on the court when the regular season tips off.

“I would say he will absolutely be ready for the season opener,” Blatt said of Cleveland’s game against Chicago on Oct. 27. “Absolutely.”

James probably could have played in the final preseason game, but that’s a risk the Cavs were absolutely not going to take. This new reality – one in which LeBron’s minutes and rest have to be managed, where he’s no longer an indestructible cyborg – set in last season. He’s not diminished in any capacity. As his brilliant Finals performance showed, though, he’s just not able to perform at that sort of level night in and night out without any sort of detriment to his health.

The Cavaliers are probably going to be even more cautious with LeBron’s health this season. They’re the favorites to make the Finals, but they won’t be able to do that if LeBron isn’t at full strength. If they have to sacrifice a few regular season wins for a completely healthy team come the playoffs, that’s just fine. It’s worked out pretty well for the San Antonio Spurs.

(ESPN)

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