LeBron all primed up versus Bulls in NBA opener

CLEVELAND – LeBron James sat out Cleveland’s final preseason game against Dallas on Monday night, but Cavaliers coach David Blatt said the four-time MVP will be ready when the regular season opens next week.

James, who had an anti-inflammatory injection in his back last week, hasn’t played since Oct. 12.

Asked before the game against the Mavericks if there was any chance James wouldn’t be ready when the Cavaliers visit Chicago on Oct. 27, Blatt said, ‘’he will absolutely be ready for the season opener.’’

James missed a career-high 13 games last season with back and knee issues. The injuries forced him to miss two weeks, reviving him for the second half of the season. James led Cleveland to the NBA Finals for just the second time.