Will King James hold court in season opener?
LeBron James’ playing status for Tuesday’s season opener against Boston remains unclear.
James has been slowed by a sprained left ankle for more than two weeks and it’s still not known whether he’ll be on the floor when the Cavaliers take on the Celtics and Kyrie Irving, who asked to be traded by Cleveland this summer.
Following Monday’s practice, Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said “I really don’t know” when asked if James will play.
James took part in some post-practice shooting drills with teammates. He did not speak with the media as the Cavaliers prepared for their opener, a rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference finals.
James has never missed an opener in his NBA career, and teammate J.R. Smith doesn’t expect him to miss this one.
“Oh, he’s going to go,” Smith said. “He’s going to go, trust me that. I don’t care what he’s got to do, he’s going to play.”
SPURS » LaMarcus Aldridge and the San Antonio Spurs have at times seemed an ill-fitting pair, with a player who spent nine years in another franchise before landing with Gregg Popovich not always looking comfortable in the NBA’s most well-established system.
The kinks the two sides have been trying to work through had league observers believing Aldridge might not be long for San Antonio.
Just as they have for more than 20 years, the Spurs care little about what others think.
Aldridge and the Spurs reached agreement on a three-year extension on Monday that ensures the five-time All-Star will be under contract through the 2020-21 season.
The agreement involves Aldridge exercising the 2018-19 player option on the original four-year max deal he signed with the Spurs in 2015. He then will get another two years and $50 million tacked on to the deal, a person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press.
ESPN first reported the agreement.
When the Spurs beat out the Suns, Lakers and several other suitors for Aldridge two summers ago, it was a departure from the franchise’s long history of drafting and developing its stars.
With Tim Duncan nearing retirement and Kawhi Leonard emerging as the team’s next focal point, the Spurs splurged for Aldridge in free agency to try to extend the team’s window for competing in the Western Conference.
JAZZ » Utah guard Dante Exum will have surgery to repair a separated left shoulder.
The surgery is scheduled for Oct. 24 in Los Angeles and there is no announced timeline for his return.