The Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings continue to prepare for the upcoming 2023-24 NBA season. The Lakers will enter their third preseason game tonight, while the Kings will be ready for their second. Los Angeles defeated the Brooklyn Nets 129-16, while Sacramento was defeated 112-99 by the Toronto Raptors in their respective final games. Look for the two teams to try it again when the Kings face off at home.
However, Lakers superstar LeBron James will not play after his preseason debut against the Nets. According to a report by Khobi Price:
“Dalvin Ham says LeBron James will not be available for tomorrow’s preseason game against the Sacramento Kings.”
Hamm and the coaching staff are carefully planning James’ preseason. He sat out the Lakers’ loss to the Golden State Warriors and then played 17 minutes against Brooklyn. “King James” scored 10 points, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block.
The four-time MVP is reportedly expected to play in half of the Lakers’ seven preseason games. Whenever his team takes the field, he can be on the field. James will likely be available when Ham’s team takes on the Warriors in the bubble on Friday, Oct. 13.
LeBron James’ health is biggest key to Los Angeles Lakers’ championship run
Last season, LeBron James played in 55 of 82 games. I missed games due to breaks and various injuries. The four-time MVP was lucky to avoid a season-ending ankle injury that could have prevented the Los Angeles Lakers from reaching the Western Conference Finals.
James spent a large part of the offseason rehabbing his right foot. He will not require surgery and is reportedly 100 percent ready for the upcoming season.
However, “King James” is the oldest player in the NBA and will be entering his 21st season. He hasn’t been able to stay healthy as usual during his first 15 years in the league. Keeping him injury-free will once again be a top concern for the Los Angeles Lakers as they look to defeat the defending champion Denver Nuggets.
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka did a great job retooling the team in the offseason. James’ bench is deeper, stronger and more balanced than last season.
Anthony Davis could also be a big factor in leading the team to success if he stays healthy. Still, it’s hard for them to even make it to the conference semifinals without LeBron James being fully healthy.
The Los Angeles Lakers need everyone to be ready to take on other contenders in the West such as the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings.
editor
Michael Macacello