LAS VEGAS, NV – OCTOBER 9: LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers before a preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets at T-Mobile Arena on October 9, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada James #23 is warming up. The Lakers defeated the Nets 129-126. Notice to User: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photo, User agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers have played two preseason games so far, and it’s safe to say fans are very pleased with the results. Although Los Angeles is 1-1, role players have performed well in two games. Individual performance in preseason is much more important than game results.
The Lakers clearly didn’t push the envelope in the preseason, especially with the star players on the team. Anthony Davis has had a very limited workload, and LeBron James hasn’t even played in every preseason game. He earned the right to become the NBA’s all-time scoring leader.
After missing the first preseason game of the year and preparing for Game 2, it was unclear whether LeBron would play in the team’s next game Wednesday. Head coach Davon Hamm clarified LeBron’s situation on Tuesday.
LeBron James doesn’t play in Lakers’ preseason game against Kings
This is a shame for any Orange County fan who wants to make the short trip to Honda Center to watch a Lakers game.Although Crypto.com Arena is not That Being a long way from Anaheim, it would be best to go to Downtown Disney for lunch before seeing LeBron play in person.
Fans won’t be able to live out this dream, but that’s for the best. There is absolutely no reason to push this in the preseason with LeBron, and he has a full season to prepare. In this case, LeBron doesn’t need to be old-school LeBron in the first game of the season. All the Lakers need from him is to stay healthy and ready to contribute in the NBA playoffs.
LeBron said before the preseason that his goal was to play half of the Lakers’ six preseason games, so it looks like he’s taking a “game on, game over” approach. If he and the team continue this trend, he’ll be ready to play against the Warriors on Friday. This is the team’s first preseason game at Crypto.com Arena.
In theory, this would allow LeBron to play in the team’s final preseason game of the year. Los Angeles will conclude its preseason on October 17 against the Phoenix Suns. The game will be held at Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs.