LeBron James’ preseason is over. The next time he takes the court for the Los Angeles Lakers will be for their regular season opener on October 22 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
James did not suit up for the Lakers’ preseason matchup with the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night. Lakers coach JJ Redick said that his star is sitting for rest. Or as he put it, “DNP – old. Taking it from Pop’s book.”
For those who may not get the reference, San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich once sat 36-year-old Tim Duncan. during the 2012-13 season and gave the reason of him not playing as “DNP – Old.” (However, even if the reference is not known, isn’t it easy to imagine Popovich saying that?)
James also won’t play in the Lakers’ preseason finale on Friday against the Golden State Warriors, either. as reported by TNT’s Jared Greenberg. Why subject him to back-to-back games that don’t count?
As I reported @NBAonTNT – @KingJames preseason is done; he’s not playing tonight and LeBron won’t suit up tomorrow at Golden State. The Lakers are playing the long game, making sure LBJ is rested for his 22nd opening night on Tuesday.
– Jared Greenberg (@JaredSGreenberg) October 18, 2024
The 39-year-old appeared in three games this preseason, averaging 12 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 18.3 minutes per game. He shot 46.9% from the floor (and 57.1% from 3).
Sitting out the final two games of the preseason will give James a full week off before the Lakers’ regular season opener. That will also mark James’ 22nd NBA season, tying new Hall of Famer Vince Carter for the most played in league history.
