LeBron James Taking it Slow as Lakers Begin Training Camp
The Los Angeles Lakers kicked off their 2024-25 NBA season preparations with Monday’s media day followed by Tuesday’s first training camp session, but their cornerstone player is taking a measured approach to the new campaign. As the Lakers prepare for their preseason opener against the Phoenix Suns this Friday, fans won’t see LeBron James on the court just yet, with the team implementing a careful strategy for the veteran superstar’s 23rd NBA season.
Head coach JJ Redick announced that James will miss Friday’s preseason opener as part of a deliberate plan to gradually increase his activity before the regular season begins on October 21 against the Golden State Warriors. “It’s probably a little more of a ramp-up leading into opening night for him,” Redick explained to media members. The first-year Lakers coach added that after reflecting on last year’s training camp, the team decided James had pushed himself too hard too early. “In year 23, it’s uncharted territory,” Redick noted, pointing out that while James’ commitment last year provided valuable buy-in for a rookie head coach, the team is taking a more cautious approach this time around. The coaching staff acknowledged that James is dealing with some nerve irritation in his glute, in addition to the accumulated wear and tear from more than two decades of professional basketball at the highest level.
Despite the cautious approach, there are positive signs for Lakers fans. By Wednesday, Redick reported that James had already taken his first steps back onto the practice court, participating in individual workouts. The team’s plan appears to include getting James into at least one preseason game before the regular season tips off, allowing him to find his rhythm while protecting his long-term health. This balanced approach reflects the unique challenge of managing a player who is about to make NBA history by becoming the league’s longest-tenured player ever – all while approaching his 41st birthday in December.
What makes James’ longevity truly remarkable is not just his presence on an NBA roster at this age, but his continued elite production. During the 2023-24 season, James appeared in 70 games – a significant number for a player his age – while averaging an impressive 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game. These statistics would be career-defining numbers for many NBA players, yet for James, they represent another chapter in an unprecedented career. Since entering the league as an 18-year-old phenom with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003, James has averaged at least 20 points per game in every single season – a consistency of excellence spanning three different decades.
The careful management of James’ preparation speaks to the Lakers’ championship ambitions and recognition of their star’s importance to those goals. Last season ended with a disappointing first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, something the organization is clearly motivated to improve upon. By preserving James’ health early in the season, the Lakers are prioritizing his availability when games matter most. The approach also reflects the evolution in how NBA teams manage veteran players, particularly those with James’ mileage, emphasizing quality of play over quantity of preseason repetitions.
As the Lakers begin this new season under Redick’s leadership, the handling of James’ preseason regimen offers a window into the team’s overall philosophy. While James has famously defied conventional aging curves throughout his career, the organization recognizes that even basketball’s most durable superstar requires thoughtful management to maximize his extraordinary talents. Lakers fans may have to wait a bit longer to see James in action this preseason, but the team’s approach suggests they’re focused on ensuring his abilities remain on display when it counts most – starting with opening night against the Warriors and potentially extending deep into the playoffs come spring 2025.
