Chalmers, LeBron form bond

Behind the scenes, forward LeBron James has added an extra level of support for third-year guard Mario Chalmers. The relationship could ultimately benefit the team as the season progresses.

``He's like another mentor to me, just like D-Wade is still one of my mentors,'' Chalmers said. ``It's somebody trying to help me. He's trying to bring me along and just trying to make me better.''

Chalmers has formed a strong bond with James in a short period of time. The players have choreographed an odd, hip-gyrating pregame dance before each game, and they also shootaround together after practices. Limited by a sprained ankle to begin the season, Chalmers has slowly worked his way back into the rotation. On Wednesday, he credited James and Dwyane Wade for keeping his spirits high during his difficult recovery.

``My teammates did a good job of keeping my head up and making sure I was all right and just making sure that I would be back out there on the court with them,'' said Chalmers, who played more than 20 minutes in back-to-back games before Wednesday night.

Chalmers and James didn't know each other until James arrived in July, but they are now close friends.

``It's something that just happened this year,'' Chalmers said. ``We didn't really know each other before then, and right now as teammates we've gotten close and formed a relationship.''

Carlos Arroyo has remained the Heat's starter at point guard but Chalmers received slightly more playing time against the Washington Wizards. Entering Wednesday, Chalmers has two more steals than Arroyo in a fraction of the minutes.

``I've just been putting more pressure on the ball,'' said Chalmers of his effort on defense. ``It makes it easier for D-Wade and LeBron to get into passing lanes, and when they put pressure on the ball it's easier for me to get in the passing lanes, just like how me and D-Wade were my rookie [season]. We're just trying to get back to that and add LeBron to it.''