LeBron feeling much better
NBA NOTES Cavs star recovers from chest pain Fun gone and so is veteran Divac
LeBron James is feeling better and will try to play in the Cavaliers’ exhibition game tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies. James was in hospital for two days last week with pleurisy, a virus that caused severe pain in his chest. He practised for the second day in a row yesterday.
“ I’m 90 per cent better than I was last week, but I’m not where Iwant to be,” he said. “ But I’ll get there.” James was in the Cleveland Clinic last week while doctors tried to determine what was causing the pain in his chest that developed the morning after the club’s exhibition opener in Washington. The third-year all-star has missed Cleveland’s last three pre- season games while recovering. SO LONG, VLADE:
Vlade Divac ended his 16- year NBA playing career yesterday, easing into a new job with the Los Angeles Lakers as a liaison and scout in Europe. The Lakers bought out the 7foot- 1 Divac’s contract for $2 million ( U. S.). The 37- year- old centre had back surgery in January and played in only 15 games last season, averaging 2.3 points and 2.1 rebounds.
“ I didn’t have fun any more with the injury I had,” he said. ‘‘ If I didn’t have fun, I wouldn’t play my best.” RAPS ROOKIE READY:
Raptors rookie Joey Graham has missed their last two pre- season games with tendinitis in his left knee. Graham said he thinks he’s ready to go tonight against the Nets — he took part in full practice yesterday — but isn’t sure if the team will want him to play just yet.
“It feels a lot better and I should be able to go soon,” he said. “ But I’m trying to pace myself, make sure I’m 100 per cent before I get back out there.”
If he doesn’t play tonight, Graham said he’s sure he’ll be available for Friday’s game against Boston. Graham said he’s had the condition off and on for several years but never missed any games at Oklahoma State.
Also, Morris Peterson has a minor foot sprain and some bumps and bruises and likely won’t play tonight. Matt Bonner or perhaps Charlie Villaneuva will start in his place. Forward Eric Williams’ sore knee is improving but he says he’s still only about 85 per cent and probably won’t play tonight. Williams said he’ll probably play the last three pre- season games. FOUL PRACTICE:
Raptors coach Sam Mitchell brought in referees for yesterday’s practice in an attempt to cut down on fouls. The Raptors in their last two games allowed opponents to go the free- throw line a whopping 102 times. FASHIONISTA: Raptors forward Matt Bonner said he doesn’t think it’s a problem that the NBA doesn’t want its players to wear sunglasses during media interviews or on their way to and from games. “Unless the Blues Brothers play in the NBA it shouldn’t be a problem,” the Red Rocket said. Bonner joked recently that he only has one suit and that he’ll have to wear the same clothes all the time to go along with the league’s new dress code.
Yesterday, he confessed he also has two sport jackets and said he intends to buy a suit every year. “ By the time I’m done playing I’ll have a sweet wardrobe.” SHORT STAY:
The New Orleans Hornets waived guard Troy Bell yesterday after he appeared in only one pre- season game. The 6-foot-1 Bell played 10 minutes in the Hornets’ 101- 83 loss to Orlando on Saturday but did not score. He was 0 for 2 from the field and had one rebound, one assist and one turnover, plus three fouls. The career scoring leader at Boston College, Bell signed as a free agent with the Hornets on Oct. 1 and was the first player cut from their pre- season camp.