LeBron James Says He's Open to Cavs Potentially Signing Larry Sanders

The Cleveland Cavaliers are in need of a backup center after Andrew Bogut suffered a fractured left tibia seconds into his Wine and Gold debut, and LeBron James told reporters on Saturday he would endorse the team bringing Larry Sanders aboard to fill that void. 

Speaking at shootaround before the Cavaliers' game against the Orlando Magic, James said Sanders should be afforded another chance to lace up his kicks on the NBA hardwood following two years out of the league, according to ESPN.com's Dave McMenamin: 

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It looks like he wants another opportunity and hopefully if we're the team, hopefully we give him an opportunity. Why not? Everyone deserves a second chance and it looks like he wants to get back to playing the game he loves and hopefully this is his destination. You don't know how much you can get out of a guy that's been out so long, but I'd love to see it. Why not? 

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James' comments come after The Vertical's Shams Charania reported Friday that Sanders and the Cavaliers "are in serious discussions toward a deal."

McMenamin added Sanders "could be signed as soon as this Monday when the Cavs return home from their current three-game road trip."

While expectations will have to be tempered if and when Sanders joins the Cavs, he could help provide shot-blocking reinforcements off the bench. 

Before his career was temporarily derailed by personal issues, Sanders averaged 1.8 blocks per game over the course of five seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks. 

If he can replicate even a fraction of that success in Cleveland, the Cavaliers should be able to improve in the rim protection department. According to NBA.com's player-tracking data, the Cavaliers are allowing opponents to shoot 52.4 percent at the rim, which ranks 11th overall entering Saturday night. 

That mark is hardly discouraging, but there is certainly room for improvement with the Cavaliers hoping to find more solid defensive form as they chase back-to-back titles.