Los Angeles, CA – In a move that’s sending ripples through the NBA world, LeBron James, the ageless wonder of the hardwood, sat out the Los Angeles Lakers’ opening day of training camp on Tuesday. The 23-year veteran is nursing a nagging “little bit of nerve irritation in the glute,” as head coach JJ Redick put it, forcing the team into a deliberate, patient approach as they gear up for what could be another championship chase.
James, who will celebrate his 41st birthday in December, is on the cusp of etching his name deeper into the history books. Come opening night next month when the Lakers host the Golden State Warriors, he’ll become the first player in NBA history to suit up for 23 seasons. But with that milestone comes the reality of uncharted territory – managing the body of a legend who’s defied Father Time for over two decades.
Redick, in his first year at the helm after a storied playing career that included stints alongside James in Cleveland, was candid about the situation during media availability. “The goal is for LeBron to be ready for [opening night],” he said, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. He didn’t shut the door on a preseason tune-up, but emphasized caution. “It’s probably a little bit longer of a ramp-up leading into opening night for him. Obviously in Year 23, it’s uncharted territory here.”
This isn’t James’ first dance with the injury bug, but the Lakers’ strategy this time around feels like a seismic shift. Redick admitted that last fall, James might have pushed too hard in an effort to build rapport with the incoming coaching staff. “He probably did too much,” the coach reflected. Now, the playbook has flipped: “It’ll be a slower process with him leading into the first game. We’re just playing the long game with LeBron.”
The King’s own words echo that measured mindset. Speaking to ESPN on Monday, James opened up about his current state. “I’m still ramping things back up,” he said. “I’m not where I want to be. But I mean, I don’t want to be where I want to be right now in September. So, I got some time and I’m looking forward to the process of getting there.”
Behind closed doors, the urgency to protect James was palpable even before camp tipped off. Sources told ESPN that James’ camp huddled with Lakers front office executives with a crystal-clear message: Be “overly cautious” from the jump. The directive? Preserve the four-time MVP for the marathon, especially with playoff aspirations burning bright after a disappointing first-round exit last season.
To put James’ durability in perspective, last year he posted a vintage stat line – 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game. He entered that campaign with grand ambitions, vowing to play all 82 games. He suited up for the first 23 before foot soreness sidelined him in early December. This time, the Lakers aren’t tempting fate.
The preseason slate kicks off Friday when the Lakers travel to Palm Desert to face the Phoenix Suns. James won’t lace ’em up for that one, but Redick hinted at optimism for a cameo later. “It would be nice [to have him on the floor for at least one preseason contest],” he noted.
Even from the sidelines – decked out in street clothes – James’ presence loomed large. Teammate Austin Reaves captured it perfectly: “You know, it’s Bron. He’s always going to observe and communicate what he sees. That’s the approach he’s going to take right now — just being one of our vocal leaders. That’s what he’s done his whole career.”
The injury bug didn’t stop at James, either. The Lakers’ first practice was missing a few key pieces: Gabe Vincent (left knee management), Marcus Smart (left Achilles tendinopathy), and rookie Adou Thiero (left knee swelling). Redick, however, is bullish on Vincent’s timeline, expecting the guard to be good to go by Friday.
When asked about the bright spots among the healthy contingent, Redick couldn’t resist a quip: “Uh, Luka (Doncic) was pretty good.” The coach was, of course, joking – but it underscored the focus on the group that’s available, grinding through the early reps.
As the Lakers navigate this “long game,” the basketball world watches with bated breath. James has carried franchises on his back for years, but at 40, the emphasis on sustainability could define not just his 23rd season, but the Lakers’ entire trajectory. With a revamped roster blending youth and experience, and Redick’s fresh voice at the podium, the purple and gold are betting big on pacing their icon for the playoffs.
One thing’s for sure: When LeBron steps back on that court – whether in a preseason exhibition or under the bright lights of opening night – it’ll be a moment that reminds everyone why he’s still The Chosen One. For now, though, it’s all about the process. And in Year 23, that’s the real bombshell.