LeBron James returns from two-week injury layoff for Cavs-Suns
The King is back, and not a minute too soon for the Cleveland Cavaliers. In a video posted to Bleacher Report on Tuesday, LeBron James announced that he would play for the Cavs later tonight vs. the Phoenix Suns at the U.S. Airways Center. Here’s the video:
And here is a transcript of the relevant, non-shoutout portion of his statement:
What’s up, guys? I’m checking in with my fans, letting you all know that I’m making my comeback tonight in Phoenix. Man, it’s been too long. I apologize for being out, guys, but I’m coming back tonight. I’m so excited. It’s like my first game in Sacramento my rookie year. To be back on the floor with my guys, man, I just can’t wait. This has been a tough process, but I understand it needs to be done but it’s been tough watching my guys go out without me. So I’m back tonight. We’re going to try to put on a performance tonight in Phoenix and try to get this win and get back to the winning ways.
James had missed eight straight games with lingering pain in his left knee and a back strain. The Cavs went 1-7 during that time to see their record drop to 19-19.
LeBron practiced on Monday in Phoenix and was announced as a game-time decision for Tuesday. He then created a minor stir by attending and enjoying Ohio State’s College Football Playoff National Championship victory over the Oregon Ducks. It now appears that his short trip to Texas did not hinder his plans to rejoin the Cavs for their visit with the Suns.
The Cavs figure to be very glad to see their superstar return to the court. Since LeBron’s first missed game on Dec. 30, the Cavs have struggled at both ends of the court, obtained several new players via trade, and weathered a minor controversy involving head coach David Blatt and struggling power forward Kevin Love. They are also in the midst of a five-game losing streak. A loss to Phoenix would drop their record below .500 for the first time since a Nov. 24 loss to the Orlando Magic put them at 6-7.
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Eric Freeman is a writer for Ball Don’t Lie on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter!
