LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers will not be playing in the team’s exhibition opener against the Golden State Warriors, but he plans to see significant court time during the preseason. The 38-year-old player, who is the oldest active player in the NBA, missed 27 games last season due to a right foot injury. He mentioned that he would not be playing in the game against the Warriors but will assess his participation in future preseason games based on each game’s circumstances.
LeBron James has been known to manage his workload during the regular season, and it seems that he will take a similar approach during the preseason. He mentioned that he hopes to play in at least half of the team’s six preseason games but will take it game by game. It is important for the Lakers to have their star player healthy and rested for the regular season, and LeBron’s decision to prioritize his health and recovery is a wise one.
During the practice session, LeBron also commented on his teammate Anthony Davis being called the face of the Lakers. Davis, a five-time All-Star, has been a key contributor to the team since joining in the 2019-2020 season. LeBron expressed disagreement with this statement, saying that he still sees himself as the face of the Lakers. He explained that his experience, accolades, and status in the league make him the face of the franchise. This may have been a tongue-in-cheek comment from LeBron, but it highlights his competitive nature and desire to lead the team.
The Lakers, as a team, have high expectations for the upcoming season. After winning the NBA championship in the 2019-2020 season, they fell short in the playoffs last year. With LeBron and Davis healthy and motivated, the team aims to make a deep playoff run and compete for another championship. In order to achieve this, it is crucial for them to build chemistry and develop their playing style during the preseason.
LeBron’s absence from the exhibition opener against the Warriors will give other players on the team an opportunity to showcase their skills and potential. It also allows the coaching staff to experiment with different lineups and strategies. The Lakers have a mix of established veterans and young talent, and the preseason games will be valuable in determining the roles and rotations for each player.
Overall, LeBron James’ decision to prioritize his health and recovery by sitting out the exhibition opener is a smart move. It allows him to gradually ease into the preseason and ensure that he is at his best for the regular season. His statement regarding Anthony Davis being the face of the Lakers may have been a playful jab, but it reflects his unwavering self-belief and competitiveness. As the Lakers prepare for the upcoming season, it is important for them to utilize the preseason games to build chemistry and establish their playing style. The team has high expectations and aims to compete for another championship with LeBron and Davis leading the way.
Find Latest NBA News and More at Sportyjones.com!