LeBron James sits out Miami Heat’s practise
After having an outstanding performance despite playing hurt in their previous game, two-time Most Valuable Player LeBron James missed Miami Heat’s practise on Thursday 4 November at the
American Airlines Arena because of a sore right leg.
However, Heat head coach Erik Spoeltra clarified that the 25-year old guard’s injury isn’t serious, and holding him out of their practise was just a precautionary measure as they are preparing
for their scheduled back-to-back games.
"He's feeling better," Spoelstra said. "It's more precautionary, so he can play the back-to-back."
The Heat, who started the season with a disappointing loss against the Boston Celtics, but are now on a four-game winning run, will travel to New Orleans to take on the Hornets on Friday
5 November, which will be followed by a home game against the New Jersey Nets on Saturday 6 November.
Spoelstra, who is one of the youngest coaches in the NBA, is not expecting James to miss any games, although the superstar was obviously bothered by the injury in their previous game.
"He's just sore. It's not an injury," Spoelstra said. "It's nothing that occurred during a game. It's more of an early season adjustment, getting used to the NBA schedule."
James, who racked up 20 points and 12 assists in their dominating 129-97 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday 2 November, welcomed the opportunity to rest and condition himself
for their next two assignments.
"Coach would rather have me 100 percent for the game," said James, who had a brief shooting drill after the team's practise. "But if it was a case where I needed to be in practise, I definitely
could have practised."
The reigning MVP also admitted that he has been bothered by the injury after taking a hit during their game against the Nets on Sunday 31 October, but he reiterated that he will not let the
pain cause him to miss their next games.
"It's a deep shin bruise right now, where every time you kind of flex your foot, it kind of flares up," James said. "So we're doing everything possible to get me back to 100."
The seven-year veteran forward is averaging 20.4 points, 7.2 assists, and 4.6 rebounds in Miami’s first five games this season.
Tags: