Zydrunas Ilgauskas is the Cavaliers' $70.9 million man, but that does not insulate him from a dose of tough love from coach John Lucas.

Ilgauskas, who returned to active status Dec. 3 for the first time in almost a year, has struggled the past two games. He is a combined 4-of-13 from the field and has scored 18 points in 26 minutes of losses to Dallas and Philadelphia.

It is part of the reason Lucas summoned him to Gund Arena for an 8:30 a.m. practice session today. Breakfast optional.

" 'Z' worked harder to get back on the court than he has since I've had him back," Lucas said. "I've got to get back to individual time with him. My gut tells me that I'm seeing 50 percent of what I can see in Z, and that's why he's a little aggravated I've got him coming in early."

Ilgauskas, a fifth-year pro from Lithuania, has been limited to 117 NBA games.

"One of the encouraging and discouraging things is, how much basketball Z's still got to learn," said Lucas, in his first year with the Cavs. "From listening to Cleveland-area people, I thought he was a finished product. He's not a finished product."

Assuming Ilgauskas stays healthy, Lucas says the "real Z" won't show up until next season.

Major pain:

Certain losses die harder with Lucas. He still can't shake the Cavs' 94-91 defeat to Philadelphia Saturday in Gund Arena.

Lucas had thought that attending a staff Christmas party on Sunday might soothe the ache.

"I was still seething," he said.

The primary frustration comes from failing to beat a quality opponent at home. The Cavs dropped to 6-6 in Gund Arena. "At this point, my belief in this team is stronger than their belief in themselves," Lucas said. "I want us to start beating the better teams at home."

Good will toward youngsters:

Seven Cavs, including Andre Miller, visited the Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital for Rehabilitation yesterday to lift spirits. The players, who came bearing gifts, decorated a tree and sang carols.

Finally:

Lamond Murray looked particularly sharp in practice yesterday. Brian Skinner tangled with Chris Mihm on several occasions. But Lucas would not blow the whistle. "I try to practice like it's a real game. I don't call fouls. I want to create adversity."