Lakers head coach JJ Redick confirmed that LeBron James and Anthony Davis will play in the team’s first preseason games this weekend, as the Lakers prepare to face the Timberwolves and Suns.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick confirmed that stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis will see playing time in the team’s first preseason games this weekend, despite both players coming off a gold medal summer with Team USA in the Olympics.
The Lakers are set to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday and the Phoenix Suns on Sunday at Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs, California. However, Redick has not specified how much James and Davis will play in these early games.
Redick, who is overseeing his first preseason as a head coach, is still working out the minutes and rotations for his players. Last year, James and Davis played limited minutes during the preseason, with neither logging more than 20 minutes in their second appearance. Both players have expressed their fitness and enthusiasm in training camp, crediting their Olympic experience for keeping them in top shape ahead of the NBA season.
One storyline to watch is the potential for LeBron James to share the court with his son, Bronny James, marking the first father-son duo in NBA history. While Bronny is expected to spend most of the season with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, Redick plans to experiment with various lineups during the six-game exhibition series.
Friday’s game will also be Redick’s debut as an NBA head coach. His early practices have received positive feedback from players for their intensity and efficient use of time. Notably, point guard D’Angelo Russell praised Redick’s basketball intelligence and the focus he has placed on high-IQ play and advanced tactics in practice.
The Lakers, with a fresh start under Redick, will use the preseason to find their rhythm and prepare for what promises to be a highly anticipated 2024-25 season.
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