LeBron James has claimed that his teammate Dwyane Wade looks "healthy" ahead of the new NBA season.

Wade missed the Miami Heat's pre-season victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday evening as a precaution after struggling with knee injuries for much of last season, but James believes that the point guard is in good condition.

"I think just seeing his explosiveness, his quickness, lateral quickness, everything. He looks healthy, he feels healthy," the 28-year-old told reporters.

"He shows it more than anything on his face when he's healthy, and that's a great sign."

The Heat begin the defence of their NBA title against the Chicago Bulls on October 29.