LeBron James believes the Cleveland Cavaliers have ample talent where he won't have to carry the team.

"I will lead this team but I don't have to carry it," James said before shootaround as the Cavs prepared to play the Atlanta Hawks in their preseason opener at Xavier University on Wednesday night. "We have enough guys until all our guys get here.

"Until Kyrie (Irving) and Tristan (Thompson) and Shump (Iman Shumpert) is ready, we have enough guys that will all help. It's not about me carrying the team and that nature. We're all grown men, we're all professionals and they're here to do their job."

Cleveland's schedule to start the season is relatively easy with only three of the first 10 games against playoff teams from last season.

"I mean, every game is important," James said. "The East has gotten better. And I understand not to put too much into the beginning of the season, but I'm a guy who is all about chemistry and camaraderie on the floor. But you need your guys to be healthy. So I'm not quite sure if Kev (will be ready). Obviously we know Kyrie won't be available. Shump won't be available. So, it's unfortunate but we want to get these guys healthy and get them to 100 percent as close as possible."