JJ Redick, about LeBron James's absence in the Training Camp: "We are playing for the long term with him"

The start of the training camp for the Los Angeles Lakers was marked by the absence of LeBron James, sidelined due to discomfort described by coach JJ Redick as "a small nerve irritation in the glute." This situation arises just as the forward, who will turn 41 in December, is set to become the first player in NBA history to compete in 23 seasons. Luka Doncic has started training in great form. Redick explained that the goal is for James to be recovered for the season opener against the Golden State Warriors, although he did not rule out his participation in some of the six preseason games. "It will probably be a longer preparation than usual leading up to the opener. Obviously, in year 23, we are in unfamiliar territory," noted the coach. The coach recalled that last year, James pushed himself too hard from the beginning to demonstrate commitment to his project. "He probably did too much in the previous training camp to show his dedication and get in shape. Now it will be a slower process before the first game. He has played 22 seasons with the wear and tear that entails and on top of that, he is dealing with a small nerve irritation in the glute. We are playing the long game with LeBron," he emphasized. James himself admitted to ESPN that he is not yet ready to give his all. "I'm still ramping up. I'm not where I want to be. But I don't want to be at my best in September. I have time, and I'm looking forward to enjoying the process to get there," he explained. According to sources from the network, his inner circle met with the Lakers' management before the start of camp with a clear directive: to be extremely cautious with the four-time champion at this initial stage to preserve him for a long postseason run. Last season, LeBron averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds. He intended to play all 82 games, participated in the first 23, but in early December, he suffered discomfort in his left foot, which forced him to rest for eight days and miss two games. In the last preseason, he played three of the six scheduled games. The Lakers will kick off their preparation schedule this Friday against the Phoenix Suns in Palm Desert, California. James will not be available for that match, although Redick remains hopeful of having him in at least one preseason game. "We would love for him to play at least one preseason game. It would be great if that happened," he acknowledged.

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