Lakers Rumors: LeBron James Expected to Miss Entire Preseason
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The Los Angeles Lakers have opened training camp and completed two preseason games, but star forward LeBron James is unlikely to appear in any of them, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Charania reported that the 40-year-old has begun light on-court work but is “likely gonna be out for the preseason,” with the organization focused on having him ready for Opening Night on Oct. 21 against the Golden State Warriors. James is entering his 23rd NBA season.
The Lakers have several players currently sidelined. Luka Doncic has not played in the preseason after a busy summer at EuroBasket, while Maxi Kleber is dealing with a minor quad injury suffered on the first day of camp. Marcus Smart has been held out as a precaution because of Achilles tendinopathy, and rookie Adou Thiero remains out with the knee issue that also cost him Summer League.
Los Angeles has four preseason games remaining after nearly a full week of practices. The coaching staff had hoped to stage a dress rehearsal featuring all key contributors, but that scenario appears doubtful if James sits out.
As he approaches his 41st birthday, the four-time NBA champion is expected to prioritize regular-season readiness over preseason minutes. “We’ve got to be detailed on everything… and we’ve got to play championship basketball every single day,” James said recently when discussing the team’s approach to the 2025-26 campaign.
The Lakers open the regular season on Oct. 21 at Chase Center against Golden State.
Source: LakersNation.com
