Mild ankle sprain will keep James out of exhibition vs. Canada

James shot baskets on the sidelines but was held out of a scrimmage at Valley High School on Wednesday.

"If the gold medal game was tomorrow, he'd play," coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "But we're not playing the gold medal game, or a medal round game right now. So we would rather be cautious right now.

"I would say right now LeBron wouldn't play on Friday," Krzyzewski said. "I don't think that's a wise decision, especially if he hasn't practiced."

James injured his ankle when he landed on Kevin Durant's foot during a Tuesday scrimmage between Team USA and a select squad of young NBA players. James said it improved overnight, and he moved without a limp after reporters were admitted to the gym at the end of practice.

"It's a lot better today than it was yesterday," he said.

Asked if he thought he could play against Canada, James said, "Right now it's probably a 'no,' just for precautionary reasons. But I will be ready once we hit the road."

James has had problems with both ankles.

In January, James missed a game with the Cleveland Cavaliers because of an ankle sprain. He returned to score 28 points in a victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Feb. 2.

A few weeks later, James left a game against Boston late in the first half with an ankle injury. X-rays were negative and James returned for the start of the second.

"I've done it so many times, I don't know if it's right or left (ankle)," James said with a chuckle.

The Americans were relieved to learn that James' ankle responded well on Wednesday. Although they're heavily favored to bring home the gold medal for the first time since 2000, injuries could upset the fragile balance of a team that is still learning to play together.

"The team that can stay injury-free throughout these games, that's a very good team that's going to have the best chance of winning," James said. "So we need all 12 guys. No one can get hurt."