LeBron James returns to practice, status for Friday’s game unclear

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James practiced on Thursday, per reports from practice. His status for tomorrow’s preseason game against the Indiana Pacers is still to be determined.

James rolled his ankle last week in practice.

There are pros and cons to James playing. On the plus side, it would allow him to get some minutes in with Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade and Jae Crowder in the Cavs’ starting lineup. Because of the Cavs’ new pieces, and Cleveland possibly running some new sets, it’d be good for him to be on the floor.

On the flip side, there’s no rush for James to come back and play unless he is 100 percent. The preseason, for a player in his 15th year like James, doesn’t hold a lot of value. And the Cavs still have three games to play after Friday’s contest - there’s still time to get him minutes with the Cavs’ new pieces.

In other injury news, coach Tyronn Lue said Cedi Osman would “probably” be out Friday due to back spasms and would return on Sunday against the Wizards.