NBA News: Lebron James, Kobe Bryant to Play in Openers?

Two big names in the NBA will be around to debut for their respective teams despite being held down lately due to separate injuries - Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers and Lebron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The two have been held out for the latter part of the preseason---a precautionary measure to address separate injuries.

Kobe Bryant went down with a left leg contusion last October 13, although the setback was not seen as something serious by head coach Byron Scott.

Bryant received treatment for it recently but other than that, Scott doesn't see any reason for the 37-year-old star not to see action unless something untoward comes up between now and opening night.

"He played well. He was shooting in people's faces," says Metta World Peace.

Kobe is expected to play a lot of the off guard position with sophomore Jordan Clarkson when the Lakers host the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 29 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Clarkson injured his shoulder in the Lakers preseason finale, but the MRI results showed nothing serious. The sophomore Fil-American guard simply suffered a sore right shoulder, although it remains to be seen if he will suit up in the season opener.

Results of Clarkson’s MRI came back as “normal.” LAL are listing him with a "sore right shoulder,” that "he will be treated conservatively."

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 23, 2015

Lebron ready at Cleveland

Heading over to the Eastern Conference, Lebron James has been hindered by a recurring back problem but is nevertheless expected to play.

James has been receiving the same anti-inflammatory treatment for his back---the same one that sidelined him for about two weeks back in January.

Like Kobe, James sat out a lot in the preseason games as a precautionary measure.

Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt and general manager David Griffin are confident that James will be able to play when the Cavs visit the Chicago Bulls on opening night on October 28 at the United Center.

James has attended his first practice since receiving an anti-inflammatory injection, and from the looks of it, he seems fit enough to play.

"It's a good sign. It's a good step," said Cavs coach David Blatt. "We'll see how he responds later today and tomorrow, but he did a great job practicing today, and hopefully, that bodes well for Tuesday."

With James reportedly ready to play, it should be good news for the Cavs who are properly assessing and managing their players as they gear up for another NBA title run.

Kevin Love is already trying to get back into the groove of things while Kyrie Irving is expected to return by 2016.