After a spirited practice yesterday at Quicken Loans Arena, James said something those fans have been waiting to hear since the All-Star swingman was sidelined Oct. 11 with what turned out to be a case of pleurisy.

''The way it feels right now, I'm ready to get out there with my teammates and see how it goes,'' James said.

That means James, barring any last-minute setbacks or rather-be-safe-than-sorry decision by coach Mike Brown, will return to action at 7 tonight when the Cavaliers host the Memphis Grizzlies in the fifth of their eight scheduled preseason games.

''I'm about 90 percent better than I was (last) Wednesday,'' James said, referring to the day he was admitted to The Cleveland Clinic after complaining of discomfort in his upper left chest.