"He's Not Playing - He's Too Old": Lakers Coach Reveals LeBron's Status for Preseason Match
Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach Darvin Ham Drops Bombshell
In a surprising turn of events, Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham announced that star forward LeBron James will not participate in the team's upcoming preseason match against the Sacramento Kings.
Age a Factor in Ham's Decision
Ham cited James' age as a primary reason for the decision. At 37 years old, James is entering his 20th NBA season.
Ham stated, "LeBron's a special player, but we have to be mindful of his age and his workload. We want to make sure he's fresh and ready for the regular season."
Emphasis on Regular Season Readiness
The Lakers are prioritizing James' health and longevity, especially considering his recent injury history.
Ham emphasized, "Our goal is to have LeBron healthy and peaking for the regular season and playoffs. We don't want to risk any unnecessary injuries."
Cautious Approach to Preseason
The Lakers' cautious approach to the preseason aligns with industry best practices.
Many teams use the preseason to evaluate younger players and experiment with different strategies but prioritize player health over wins and losses.
Fans React with Mixed Emotions
James' absence from the preseason match has garnered mixed reactions from fans.
Some fans expressed disappointment, eager to see the star forward in action. Others supported the team's decision, recognizing the importance of protecting James for the long haul.
The Lakers will face the Kings on October 10th in their first preseason game. James is expected to make his preseason debut later this month.