LeBron Says He Hasn’t Scrapped Chalk Toss

CLEVELAND (AP) — LeBron James hasn’t tossed his chalk toss.

Although he’s skipped a popular pregame ritual lately in which he scoops talcum powder off the scorer’s table and throws it into the air above his head, the Cavaliers star said Tuesday he hasn’t completely abandoned the routine.

James was asked following the Cavs’ morning shootaround on Tuesday if he has scrapped the toss. He doesn’t understand all the fuss over the dust.

“No,” he said as the Cavs, who have won three straight games, prepared to face the Milwaukee Bucks. “I don’t even know where that came from. It’s just another story.””

It was then pointed out to James that he hasn’t done it in the past few games.

“Cool,” he said, flashing a smile before abruptly ending his interview session at Quicken Loans Arena.

James’ chalk toss became one of his signature practices during his first stint with the Cavaliers. He took it with him to Miami before ending the tradition early in his four-year run with the Heat.

Before Cleveland’s season opener on Oct. 30, James asked fans to vote on Twitter whether he should resume the chalk toss. He brought it back and fans even participated that night against the New York Knicks by tossing paper confetti to replicate James’ move.

The chalk toss isn’t the only thing James has altered recently.

After the Cavs went on a four-game losing streak, James began coming onto the floor with his teammates about an hour before tipoff for a game to get up some shots. He has altered his routine in the past, and said that won’t change.

“Once I get a rhythm with something I kind of stay with it,” he said.

He may stay with his new schedule for the foreseeable future. Last week, James, who said “I stink” during the Cavs’ four-game slide, averaged 25.7 points, 8.7 assists and 5.3 rebounds to be named the Eastern Conference player of the week.