LeBron James gives Team USA a scare

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

LeBron James gave his Beijing-bound teammates and coach a jolt earlier today when he sprained his right ankle during a closed scrimmage in a Las Vegas high school gymnasium. Team officials described the injury as minor, according to the Associated Press.
The injury occurred when James landed on Kevin Durant’s foot during a scrimmage between Team USA and a squad of young NBA players.

“He thinks it’s a mild sprain,” Coach Mike Krzyzewski said. “Our trainers think it’s a mild sprain. So we’ll find out tomorrow. But I don’t think it’s anything serious. Obviously, we’ll look and see what happens tomorrow.”

Trainers wrapped the ankle in a black brace, and James left the building without speaking to reporters. Teammates who spoke to James didn’t seem to be very worried.
“I ain’t concerned about that guy,” Dwyane Wade said. “That guy is a professional. I’ve seen that guy get hurt one time in the NBA and come back in the second half and score 30-something. I’m not worried about him. He’s going to get healthy, and it’ll take care of itself.”

Team USA has a pair of workouts before facing Canada in a Friday exhibition game. Then the team heads for Macau to start a four-game exhibition tour. The Olympic basketball opener is Aug. 10 against host China in Beijing.

-- Greg Johnson