LeBron James on Game 1 cramping, exit: 'I was going to try to give it a go and Spo said no'

After leaving Thursday night's Game 1 of the NBA Finals late in the fourth quarter due to cramping in his left thigh, Miami Heat superstar LeBron James missed the usual post-game media availability to receive an I.V.

He did, however, answer questions from a pool reporter, and his responses were released to reporters. Here are the relevant quotes.

Q: You were going to try to give it a go?

A: I was going to try to give it a go and Spo said no. It sucks at this point in time in the season. You know, after I made that layup we were down two and, you know, as well as they played we still had a chance...it was frustrating sitting out and not be able to help our team.

Q: Was it just the leg or was there more?

A: Well, no, it was the whole left leg, damn near the whole left side. I was losing a lot throughout the game.

Q: What did you try and do at halftime? Did you have any idea how much fluid you tried to get in you?

A: Drank a lot at halftime, even changed my uniform, just tried to get the sweat up off you. It was an unusual circumstance, I never played in a building like that, it's been a while, like high school ... But you know, at the end of the day, it's no discredit for what they did. They played extremely well. 

Q: How thankful are you that you have the extra day in between?

A: I need it, I need it, I need it. We're going to start tonight, continue to get the fluids in me and get me ready for Sunday ... Look forward to Game 2 and go from there.

So it sounds like James and the Heat are confident he'll be recovered for Game 2 on Sunday, though he wasn't exactly looking spry as he left the arena: