LAS VEGAS, Nevada (AFP) - Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James sprained his right ankle on Tuesday in practice with the US Olympic basketball team, US media reported.

The Las Vegas Sun said the National Basketball Association scoring champion rolled his ankle on the foot of Oklahoma City swingman and reigning Rookie of the Year Kevin Durant, who was playing for a team of NBA players brought in to practice against the Olympians prior to next month's Games in Beijing.

"After it happened, I went right over to him," Milwaukee Bucks guard Michael Redd told the newspaper. "He said, 'It's OK.' He's important, a guy we desperately need. We need him healthy."

James, 23, didn't answer questions after the workout.

The Sun said he would be examined in the coming days as Team USA prepares for an Olympic warm-up against Canada on Friday in Las Vegas.

The United States will play two exhibition games in Macao and two more in Shanghai before its Olympic opener against hosts China on August 10.

LIKE IT?  LET OTHERS KNOW