Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick confirmed Friday that the team will take a cautious approach with stars Luka Doncic and LeBron James throughout the preseason schedule.
Different circumstances, similar caution
James is managing a minor glute issue sustained early in training camp and did not play in the preseason opener against the Phoenix Suns in Palm Springs. Doncic is healthy, but after a summer stint with Slovenia at EuroBasket, the Lakers are limiting his workload.
“As a coach, you want all those guys out on the court,” Redick said before tip-off. “Two different situations, but we’re going to treat it sort of the same way.”
Doncic expected to see preseason action
Redick said the plan is for Doncic to appear in preseason games after another week of conditioning. “Our expectation is Luka will play in the preseason,” he noted, adding that the next several days will be used to “get him in a good spot with his body and energy.”
James follows individualized return-to-play program
The 23-year veteran has been on the court daily for individual drills and strength work with trainer Mike Mancias and assistant coach Greg St. Jean. “For a normal return-to-play protocol, we try to get 1-on-1, 2-on-2, 3-on-3 exposure versus coaches and then eventually live,” Redick explained. “He knows his body, so we’ll work with him to reach a comfort point where he can be a full participant.”
Six preseason games remain
Los Angeles has six exhibition contests left. While game reps would help build chemistry, Redick emphasized that neither Doncic nor James will be rushed back at the expense of health.
Three-word camp review from Doncic
Asked to describe his first Lakers training camp in three words, Doncic chose “fun, excitement and hard.”
Source: Lakers Nation
