The Los Angeles Lakers will play another preseason game against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, but LeBron James won’t be playing.
Head coach Dalvin Hamm announced Tuesday that the Kings will be watch The Purple and Gold are expected to improve to 2-1.
By Dave McMenamin:
“LeBron James will not participate in the Lakers’ preseason game against the Kings in Anaheim on Wednesday, according to coach Davon Hamm.”
James did not play Saturday against the Warriors due to rest, but he played on Monday as the Lakers beat the Brooklyn Nets 129-126. The 38-year-old scored 10 points in 16 minutes of playing time, plus five assists and three rebounds.
There’s a long season ahead, and even longer if Los Angeles makes another deep playoff run, so LeBron must stay healthy. After all, it’s been 21 years for him. At this point in his career, playing in a series of preseason games isn’t necessary.
The Lakers had a very solid offseason, adding some interesting pieces around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. In addition to re-signing Austin Reeves and D’Angelo Russell, they also added Gabe Vincent, Christian Wood, Jaxson Hayes, Taurean Prince and Kawhi Jim Reddish. Reeves is expected to take another leap in the 2023-24 season after an impressive performance with Team USA at the FIBA World Cup. The sharpshooter just scored 18 points in 19 minutes on Monday.
Meanwhile, James has been impressive in the 2022-23 season, averaging 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.8 rebounds per game. His next chance to play in the preseason will be Friday against Los Angeles. Golden State.