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LeBron says he's 'very out of shape' after near triple-double

Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

LeBron James was brilliant as always to open his 15th NBA campaign.

The King scored 29 points, snagged 16 rebounds, and dropped nine assists on 12-of-19 shooting to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to victory against the Boston Celtics on opening night.

That performance would be a career night for most players in the league, but James only sees room for improvement.

"I'm out of shape. Very out of shape for my expectations, and rightfully so," James told TNT reporter Kristen Ledlow in the postgame interview.

"I haven't been able to play throughout the preseason. I played one game, re-injured my ankle. I don't like where I'm at right now. But, you know, we got some practice. These games are going to help me out."

James posted several videos of himself working out in the offseason, but he hit a snag after picking up an ankle injury in training camp. He only appeared in one preseason contest, where he recorded eight turnovers.

He was noticeably a step slow Tuesday, but even a hobbled version of James was enough to take over in the fourth. He recorded two clutch layups, a cross-court assist for three, and made a crucial steal to clinch the win for Cleveland.

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