LeBron playing in opener against Irving, Celtics
By TOM WITHERS, Associated Press
Oct 17, 2017 5:44 PM CDT
FILE - This Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016 file photo shows Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James, left, and Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry battling for a loose ball in the second half of an NBA basketball game, in Cleveland. The Warriors and Cavaliers are being penciled in to meet in the NBA Finals once again....   (Associated Press)

CLEVELAND (AP) — LeBron James is playing in Cleveland's season opener against Kyrie Irving and the Boston Celtics after being slowed for nearly three weeks by a sprained left ankle.

James arrived at Quicken Loans Arena almost four hours before the opening tip to test his ankle and get treatment. Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said the superstar feels "pretty good" and his minutes will not be restricted.

"He's going to be tired anyway," Lue joked. "He's going to take himself out."

The 32-year-old has never missed an NBA opener in his career and he wasn't going to miss this one with Irving back in town for his debut with Boston following this summer's blockbuster trade.

James injured his ankle during practice on Sept. 27 and has been limited in practice. He only played in one of Cleveland's exhibitions, scoring 17 points with eight turnovers in a loss to Chicago last week.

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