The Los Angeles Lakers opened training camp Tuesday without LeBron James on the court while the 23-year veteran addresses what head coach JJ Redick described as “a little bit of nerve irritation in the glute.”
James, who will turn 41 in December, is poised to become the NBA’s first player to appear in a 23rd season when the Lakers host the Golden State Warriors on opening night next month. Redick said the organization is focused on having the forward ready for that game and did not rule out a limited preseason appearance.
“It’s probably a little bit longer of a ramp-up leading into opening night for him,” Redick told reporters, according to ESPN. “In Year 23, it’s uncharted territory. We’re just playing the long game with LeBron.”
Last season, James pushed to play every game early to show commitment to a new coaching staff, something Redick acknowledged may have been too demanding. This year, team officials and James’ representatives met before camp and agreed on a more conservative plan aimed at preserving him for a potential deep postseason run, ESPN reported.
“I’m still ramping things back up,” James said Monday. “I’m not where I want to be—nor do I want to be there right now in September.”
James averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds in 2023-24. He appeared in the season’s first 23 contests before foot soreness forced a brief December absence.
Los Angeles begins the preseason Friday against the Phoenix Suns in Palm Desert. James will not play, though Redick said “it would be nice” for him to log minutes in at least one exhibition game.
Even out of uniform, James remained active during the opening workout. “You know, it’s Bron,” guard Austin Reaves said. “He’s always going to observe and communicate what he sees. That’s the approach he’s taking right now—just being one of our vocal leaders.”
The Lakers also held out Gabe Vincent (left knee management), Marcus Smart (left Achilles tendinopathy) and rookie Adou Thiero (left knee swelling). Redick expects Vincent to be available Friday. When asked who did practice, the coach quipped, “Uh, Luka [Dončić] was pretty good.”
Source: Hoops Wire
