The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for their regular season opener, and the team's strategy is clear: rest and preparation. In a move that has garnered significant attention, LeBron James has decided to sit out the Lakers' preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors. This decision, made by Lakers head coach JJ Redick, is part of a broader plan to ensure that James is fully rested and ready for his 22nd season in the NBA.
James' preseason has been limited, with him participating in only three games. During this time, he averaged 12 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 3.0 turnovers in just over 18 minutes per game. His shooting percentages were impressive, with 46.9% from the field and 57.1% from three-point range. Despite these solid performances, Redick has chosen to hold him out of the final preseason game to avoid any potential risks of injury.
This decision is not unique to James. The Lakers have decided to rest all five of their starters for the game against the Warriors. Anthony Davis, D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura will also be sitting out, as reported by Silverscreenandroll. This strategy is aimed at preserving the health of the team's key players and ensuring they are at their best for the start of the regular season.
The reasoning behind this approach is rooted in past experiences. As Redick noted, 'You don't often get to live in an idealized world in this league, and that's OK.' He further explained that while they did have a dress rehearsal with a game-day shoot around and film session, they had to adjust their plans due to James and Hachimura being out against the Suns. This means that they still managed to do some of the things they wanted to do, even if it wasn't exactly as planned.
The Lakers' strategy is not new; it's a page taken from the book of San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. Popovich famously rested 36-year-old Tim Duncan during the 2013-14 season, citing 'DNP Old' as the reason. Redick humorously referred to this when discussing James' rest, saying 'DNP-old, taking it out of Pop's book.' This nod to Popovich suggests that fans can expect to see James on the court during the season openers, but only if he is fully fit.
LeBron James' decision to sit out the preseason finale has sparked both concern and understanding among fans. While some may worry about his fitness, others see it as a smart move to ensure he is in peak condition for the playoffs. As reported by TNT's Jared Greenberg, 'The Lakers are playing the long game, ensuring that LBJ is rested for his 22nd opening night on Tuesday.' This approach is crucial given that James is approaching 40 years old and has been one of the most consistent performers in the league.
The impact of this strategy on the team's performance remains to be seen. However, with players like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura stepping up, the Lakers have greater depth than before. This depth will be crucial in preserving James' minutes and ensuring early-season success without sacrificing his long-term health. Dalton Knecht's brilliant game-winning performance against the Suns has added to the team's confidence, making them more resilient in their approach to the season.
The regular season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves will be a significant test for both James and the Lakers. With James' 22nd season tying him with Vince Carter for the most seasons played in league history, there is immense pressure to perform. However, given the team's strategy and preparation, fans can expect a strong showing from the Lakers. As Redick noted, 'We've still gotten to do some stuff we've wanted to do,' despite not having an idealized preseason.
In conclusion, LeBron James' decision to sit out the Lakers' preseason finale is part of a broader strategy aimed at preserving his health and ensuring he is ready for the regular season. The team's approach, while it may raise some concerns, is rooted in past experiences and a commitment to long-term success. As fans eagerly await the season opener, they can rest assured that the Lakers are playing the long game, ensuring that 'The King' is in peak condition for another championship run.
