As the Los Angeles Lakers gear up for their preseason opener, new head coach JJ Redick has made the final call regarding LeBron James and Anthony Davis’ involvement in the first two games. Both superstars are expected to hit the court this weekend, though the exact details of their minutes and rotations remain undecided.
The Lakers are set to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday and the Phoenix Suns on Sunday in Palm Desert, California. Redick confirmed that James and Davis will play during these preseason games but emphasized that discussions about their playing time are ongoing.
“They’re going to play this weekend, but we’re still talking through what minutes and rotations look like for everybody,” Redick said on Thursday after the Lakers’ third practice of training camp.
This decision could also see LeBron James sharing the court with his son, Bronny James, the Lakers’ second-round draft pick. Bronny, who turns 20 this Sunday, is expected to receive significant playing time during the preseason. Though Bronny will likely spend most of the regular season with the Lakers’ G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, his presence in the preseason offers a unique opportunity for the James duo to share the same NBA floor — an unprecedented moment in league history.
Teammates and fans alike are excited to witness this father-son dynamic unfold. “It’s fantastic to be able to be here and witness it in practice,” Anthony Davis remarked, highlighting a memorable moment where Bronny hit a 3-pointer over LeBron, sparking friendly competition.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis have had a busy offseason, notably capturing Olympic gold in Paris as part of Team USA. Following the Olympics, LeBron enjoyed an extended European vacation but returned to training in September, preparing for his 22nd NBA season. This longevity ties him with Vince Carter for the longest career in NBA history.
While Redick and James had not communicated extensively prior to training camp due to LeBron’s summer commitments, the two are now fully engaged in discussions about the Lakers’ upcoming season. “It was just random texts here or there talking about it, but now I’m diving in,” LeBron said.
Davis, who enjoyed a strong season last year, playing in a career-best 76 games, appears to be in excellent health heading into this preseason. As the Lakers play their entire preseason schedule away from Los Angeles due to renovations at their downtown arena, fans eagerly await the start of the regular season, which begins with a home opener against Minnesota on October 22.
