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Lebron welcomes Shaq and the chance to move forward

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-08-25 12:50

Lebron James is looking forward to teaming up with Shaquille O'Neal at the Cleveland Cavaliers next season, not least because it means he can play more often at power forward.

NBA basketball star Shaquille O'Neal makes a swimming gesture before a news conference with Olympic swimming gold medalist Michael Phelps on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009 in Baltimore. [Agencies]

The Cavaliers acquired the 37-year-old O'Neal from the Phoenix Suns during the offseason hoping the 15 times All-Star center would combine with last season's NBA MVP James to bring Cleveland their first title.

"Now that I have Shaq on my team I don't need to play much centre because he can definitely do that and he needs no help with doing that so I could play some power forward," James told reporters in the Chinese capital on a 10-stop tour of the world.

"I do not have a problem with doing that. It kind of all depends on the team you are going against or the match."

James led the Cavaliers to a league best 66-16 record last season with the second best average of 28.4 points per game but they were eliminated by the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference finals.

O'Neal is not their only new aquisition with guard Anthony Parker, small forward Jamario Moon and forward/center Leon Powe also arriving, while Brazilian forward Anderson Varejao signed a multi-year deal after a good 2008-2009.

"I am excited for this upcoming season," said James. "I think we have some players that can really help us win the NBA championships so it's going to be a great year." The Cavaliers open their 2009-10 season at home to the Boston Celtics on Oct. 27.