Independence: One of LeBron James’ former teammates and a former nemesis were part of the Cavaliers’ free-agent workout Wednesday. James said he’ll take anyone who can help him win games right now.
Former Heat teammate Mario Chalmers and former rival Lance Stephenson joined Kirk Hinrich and Jordan Farmar at Cleveland Clinic Courts as the Cavs search for someone to fill the open roster spot.
“I just want to win, man,” James said when asked specifically about Stephenson. “That’s all that matters to me. I got no personal problems with nobody.”
Stephenson and James have history, dating back to their many postseason clashes when James was in Miami and Stephenson played for the Indiana Pacers. Stephenson famously blew in James’ ear during a playoff series in 2014, which immediately went viral.
That was also Stephenson’s best season. He averaged 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds for the Pacers and cashed in with a three-year, $27 million deal with Charlotte. He flopped in Charlotte and was traded after just one season. Stephenson has been rehabbing a groin injury since November.
James and Chalmers were teammates in Miami for four years, although Chalmers was often the target of James’ outbursts. Chalmers has career averages of 9 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. He was playing well last season with the Memphis Grizzlies, averaging 10.8 points and 3.8 assists, before tearing his Achilles.
“There’s a brotherhood that we’ve built,” James said. “I stayed in touch with pretty much everybody I played with in Miami.”
Coach Tyronn Lue said the workout went well, but otherwise wouldn’t comment on it and didn’t hint whether the Cavs will sign any of the quartet.
“We’re just continuing to look at ways to get better,” he said. “Not sure if it’s point guard, not sure if it’s a playmaker, not sure if it’s a big. Just starting the process of looking and seeing what we can find. That’s it.”
Retirement party
Lue will have his No. 10 jersey retired Thursday at Nebraska, where he played collegiately for three years. Lue starred for the Huskers from 1995-98, leading them to the 1996 National Invitation Tournament championship and the ’98 NCAA Tournament. He still ranks on the school’s top 10 list for points, assists and steals.
Lue, 39, said it took this long because of the school’s long-standing policy that players must graduate from Nebraska to get their jersey retired. Lue finished online, and not through Nebraska. But there was such a groundswell of support for Lue that the school finally conceded.
“It’s a great accomplishment,” Lue said. “After doing the hall of fame three years ago, now coming with the jersey retirement, it’s just an honor and a great accomplishment and I’m very appreciative of it.”
Dribbles
LeBron James was honored before the game with the NAACP’s Jackie Robinson Award for his work involving civil rights and community activities. … Kevin Love missed his second consecutive game with back spasms, but Lue is hopeful Love will be ready to play Saturday at the New York Knicks. Love did not participate in a shoot-around Wednesday morning, but he worked out on the court after with assistant coach Phil Handy.
Jason Lloyd can be reached at jlloyd@thebeaconjournal.com.