LeBron: We Will Welcome West When He Returns

Cavaliers’ LeBron James has expressed that Delonte West will be welcomed by the rest of the team once he decides to come back. For two days, West has not participated in any training activity within the camp as he struggles to deal with emotional issues. According to coach Mike Brown, Danny Ferry has already discussed the matter with West. Danny Ferry is the general manager of Cleveland Cavaliers. Accordingly, West will have to pay some fines for this string of inexcusable absences. Daniel Ferry refused to be interviewed on Wednesday however. According to James, this is not the first time that Delonte has skipped practices, so they more or less know how to deal with his behavior by now. James is pretty sure that West will be fine, and that whatever he is dealing with right now has nothing to do with basketball. “We will welcome him once he comes back, as we have always done,” says James. While James had tried calling West, the former has not been able to get any answers. West has been known to deal with mood disorders and depression for several years. A recent gun possession case in Maryland which had resulted in his arrest could furthermore put him in suspension by the league. Apparently, West had committed some traffic infraction while riding his three-wheeled motorcycle, and as the Maryland police was pulling him over three loaded weapons were found to be in his possession. A shotgun and two handguns were found inside a guitar case which he was carrying on his back. The previous year he was absent from training camp for 10 days so as to get treatment for his mental problems. Coach Brown has been quoted as expressing concern for Delonte’s situation and personal predicaments. He says that the team treats one another as family. Brown stresses, however, that they all have a job to attend to. As a coach for a team composed of 18 players, he is doing his best to keep the team together. Before missing the team practices for two days, West was present at the team’s media day, on a Monday. He appeared to be healthy and stable, stating that he has already resumed his medications, and has even expressed excitement for the forthcoming season. When asked about his arrest regarding the concealed weapons, he merely stated that the issue is actually not as big as it looks, especially after details are known. West has already been absent for four team practices. His teammates no nothing about when he might return. Mo Williams has also said that the team supports West in his efforts to seek professional help. “Delonte is still the same player we’ve always known when in court”, Williams says, “but outside of basketball, there are some things he needs to deal with.”