Everything James and O'Neal do together will get added attention this season, and it won't be limited to their on-court moves. The Cavaliers' pregame introductions, which already ranked among the league's splashiest before Shaq's arrival, could rival Broadway productions.

The Cavs didn't provide any sneak preview, as James and O'Neal simply slapped hands and saluted each other when they were introduced.

Cavaliers guard Delonte West, battling mental sickness and legal troubles, had been expected to play 15 to 20 minutes but didn't leave Cleveland's locker room. He warmed up 90 minutes before tip-off and sat in his cubicle before the game, but never joined his teammates on the bench.

West, who has bipolar disorder, was arrested last month on weapons charges in Maryland after police found him carrying three loaded guns while riding a three-wheel motorcycle. He faces a likely league suspension pending the resolution of his criminal case. West didn't show up for team's first four practices of training camp last week, absences the team termed unexcused.

West is expected to leave the team for a few days to get things in order.

"Delonte is going through a process right now and while he is going through that process, we're trying to use all of our resources to help him," Cavs coach Mike Brown said. "It will take a little time, but we have the patience to deal with it. We have a nice support system around him and I'm confident he's going to utilize it."

O'Neal has missed more than 5,000 free throws during his career, a flaw that led to the birth of Hack-A-Shaq, a late-game strategy teams have used against the big man for years. He scored the game's first point from the line, drawing a huge ovation from Cavs fans hoping its an omen of made free throws to come.

After James finished his postgame interview, he walked past O'Neal's locker, where reporters were gathering around Cleveland's new center.

"See you tomorrow, big fella," James said.

O'Neal smiled.

They've only just begun.