LeBron James will not participate in the opening of the Los Angeles Lakers’ training camp due to nerve irritation in his glute, head coach JJ Redick revealed. As the NBA veteran approaches his 23rd season, the Lakers are adopting a cautious approach to his training, prioritizing his long-term health.
James’ condition, while not deemed severe, is being approached with vigilance given his extensive career and age. At 40, James is venturing into “uncharted territory,” according to Redick, who emphasized the importance of a gradual ramp-up to prepare for the regular season. Last year’s approach, which saw James engage more intensely in preseason activities, is being revised to better manage his workload this time. Redick admitted that last year’s heavier preseason participation might not have been ideal for James’ physical condition, despite its benefits in terms of team engagement under Redick’s first-year leadership.
In his previous season, James demonstrated impressive durability, participating in 70 out of 82 regular season games. However, his campaign was not without its setbacks. Foot and ankle issues forced him to miss the All-Star Game, and a significant knee injury during the playoffs highlighted the risks of pushing his limits.
As the Lakers aim for a championship pursuit, with James playing alongside Luka Dončić, maintaining James’ health is critical. The team is adopting a strategic approach to manage his condition, recognizing the implications it could have on what may be his final NBA season. Balancing his training load during camp is a proactive move to ensure he’s fit for another competitive season. This careful management underscores the Lakers’ intention to support James for a potentially triumphant conclusion to his illustrious career.