LeBron James is dealing with ‘uncharted territory’ in terms of load management while entering his 23rd season in the NBA. The 40-year-old superstar missed the first practice of the season with the Lakers, along with three other players: Gabe Vincent, Marcus Smart, and Adou Thiero.
Following the first day of training camp, their head coach, JJ Redick, spoke to the media and explained why these players sat out the first practice of the season. It turns out that all four of them are currently facing injury concerns.
“I think it is a longer bit of a ramp-up leading to the opening night for him. Obviously, in year 23, uncharted territory. So I felt, while talking with performance and talking with Mike and LeBron, that he probably did too much last year in camp,” said Redick after the Lakers’ first day of training camp.
“Which was great for me as a first-year head coach to get buy-in from him. But it will be a slow process with him leading into the first game. He’s got 22 years so far of wear and tear on the body, dealing with a bit of nerve irritation in the glute. Just that we’re playing the long game with LeBron,” explained Redick.
The second-year head coach did not seem worried about James’ health but acknowledged that the effects of 22 years in the league so far may be catching up with him. He then went on to explain why the other three players did not play during the first day of training camp.
“Gabe, he’s just modified; he should be good to go live by the end of the week. We’re expecting him to play on Friday. But that’s just the management of his need, like we did last year,” said Redick about Gabe Vincent.
“Marcus is dealing with a bit of Achilles tendonopathy. He’s been in a slow ramp-up; he’s been a modified participant. Nothing live today, we expect him to be fine by next week,” Redick said about the 31-year-old veteran who joined the team this summer.
“And I think Adou gave you guys all the information himself,” said Redick, referring to the rookie’s media day press conference, where he revealed that he is currently dealing with a little swelling in his knee and is day-to-day for a decision on his clearance for practice and playing. Thus, he is expected to be just a week away from getting a full clearance for on-court activities.
The Lakers are set to face the Suns in the first preseason game of the year on Friday, October 3. While it is unlikely that we will see three of these four players on the court, Vincent will most likely see some minutes. They will face the Warriors and Suns twice in the preseason, followed by games against the Mavericks and Kings. The Lakers begin their regular season against the Warriors as well on Opening Day (October 21).
The Lakers’ fans can almost smell the NBA season arriving right around the corner. But they may have to get used to seeing LeBron James on the bench more often this season.
