The Los Angeles Lakers opened training camp on Tuesday without LeBron James on the practice floor, head coach JJ Redick told reporters after the session.
Redick said the 40-year-old forward is experiencing “minor nerve irritation” in his glute and will follow a deliberately slow buildup toward Opening Night. “It’s probably a little bit longer of a ramp-up,” the first-year coach explained. “In Year 23, it’s uncharted territory. He probably did too much last year in camp. This time we’re playing the long game.”
The coach noted that the plan was developed in consultation with the team’s performance staff and James himself. “We’re working as partners to figure out what’s best,” Redick added. “He’s got 22 years of wear and tear, so we’ll be cautious.”
Preseason participation undecided
Los Angeles has six preseason games on the schedule. Redick said it would be “nice” for James to appear but emphasized that health takes priority. “If it doesn’t happen, we’ll make it work,” he said.
James echoes measured approach
During Monday’s Media Day, James acknowledged that his training-camp workload remains uncertain. “Obviously, I want to be out there as much as I can, but we know where I’m at,” he told ESPN. “It’s Year 23 for me. I’ve got a lot of miles on my game. Even if I’m not on the floor, I’ll make sure I’m in tune with what we’re doing.”
James spent the offseason training but agreed that preserving his body for the regular season is the priority. Both player and coach said they are aligned on the cautious strategy as the Lakers aim to keep the NBA’s all-time leading scorer healthy through 2024-25.
Source: Lakers Nation
