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LeBron doesn't expect to miss time after rolling ankle vs. Rockets

David Richard-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

With Trevor Ariza draped all over him, Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James brought the ball past midcourt Thursday night and began cutting toward the basket, only to step on Ariza's foot and badly roll his already-ailing left ankle.

Many players would have left with the injury, but James dusted himself off and remained in the game, playing 32 more minutes and scoring 29 more points to finish with 33 in a 117-113 loss to the Houston Rockets.

Afterward, James expressed confidence that he'll be ready to compete Saturday when Cleveland visits American Airlines Center to take on the Dallas Mavericks, adding that he'll be receiving treatment on his ankle overnight.

"It's been the story of the early season for me kind of turning my ankles," James said, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "Just lace them tighter and get back out there."

James' ankle sidelined him for all but one of the team's preseason outings, but he hasn't missed any time during the regular season for the 5-7 Cavaliers.

Cleveland was 0-8 during the 2016-17 campaign when the four-time league MVP didn't suit up.

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