The Los Angeles Lakers are not giving up on their plans. They don’t care if they lose all remaining preseason games, but the stance is clear: LeBron James will not be physically forced.
For that reason, California strategist Davon Hamm wanted to make it clear before the game that under no circumstances will LeBron play tonight against the Sacramento Kings in what will be the Purple and Gold’s third preseason game.
Lakers head coach Davin Hamm said LeBron James will not play in tomorrow’s preseason game against Sacramento.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) October 10, 2023
The Lakers did not want to force James. In a game against the Dallas Mavericks in March this year, James suffered a minor injury and tore a tendon in his right foot and was about to undergo surgery. In short, “Lyndon Johnson” underwent other, less invasive treatments and was off the field for a month, but there were concerns he might put pressure on the area. Therefore, Ham is unwilling to take unnecessary risks. LeBron won’t play.
The idea is for the Californians to play James in three of six preseason games and rest between games. If this plan is maintained, the four-time NBA MVP will return on Friday, October 13 against the Golden State Warriors. He will then rest against Sunday, October 15th. The Milwaukee Bucks will play their final preparation game on Thursday, October 19, against the Phoenix Suns.
In the game against the Brooklyn Nets, LeBron James played nearly 17 minutes and scored 10 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds. The Ohio native made three of the eight shots he attempted.