Team Prioritizes Caution Over Competition
The Los Angeles Lakers began their preseason on Friday with a notably depleted lineup, missing both LeBron James and Luka Dončić. LeBron’s absence had been expected, as the team continues to manage his workload entering his 23rd NBA season. Luka’s scratch, however, came as a surprise, with the team announcing shortly before tipoff that he would miss both weekend games after a busy summer playing in EuroBasket.
Head coach JJ Redick addressed both players’ situations prior to the game, stressing that the team’s approach was rooted in long-term planning. “As a coach, you want all those guys out on the court,” Redick said. “We want to be smart with both of them. Two different situations, but we’re going to treat it sort of the same way.”
Luka’s Recovery and Conditioning Plan
Redick noted that Luka is in strong physical condition and that the rest is purely precautionary. “He was great the first two days of camp. It was a lot,” Redick said. “Given his workload this summer, it made sense to pull back a bit. He’s in a great place physically and mentally.” The Lakers will use the coming week to gradually ramp up Luka’s training before returning him to action.
The team’s unusual preseason schedule — two early games followed by a week off — supports the decision to delay his debut. With no competitive urgency, the focus is on keeping players healthy rather than forcing unnecessary appearances.
LeBron’s Veteran Approach in Year 23
At 39 years old, LeBron’s preparation is being managed differently. Entering his 23rd season, the Lakers are letting him dictate his readiness. “For him, it’s different in year 23,” Redick explained. “He knows his body. We’ll work with him on getting to a point of comfort where he can be a full participant.”
LeBron has remained active throughout camp, participating in individual drills and weight training. “He’s been on the court every day and in the weight room, continuing to get his body ready,” Redick added. The team’s cautious handling underscores its focus on preserving LeBron’s durability for the long season ahead.
Health Takes Priority Over Preseason Play
While preseason games can help build chemistry, this Lakers roster already has strong continuity from last year. Redick’s approach prioritizes health and long-term performance over exhibition results. The message is clear: the Lakers’ championship hopes depend on their stars being healthy, not on how they perform in October.