Los Angeles Lakers Coach Excludes LeBron James From Preseason Match Due to Age

LeBron James to Sit Out of Preseason Match

Coach Darvin Ham Prioritizes Rest for Season Longevity

Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham has announced that LeBron James will not participate in the team's upcoming preseason matchup. This decision was made to prioritize rest and longevity for James, who is entering his 20th NBA season at age 38.

Ham emphasized the importance of managing James' workload, particularly during the preseason, to ensure his availability and peak performance throughout the regular season and playoffs. He noted James' extensive track record and the physical demands of the game.

James has been one of the most durable players in NBA history, playing in over 1,400 regular season games and 270 playoff games. However, the Lakers are taking a cautious approach this season, given his age and the team's aspirations for a deep playoff run.

The Lakers have a young and talented roster, with players like Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook, and Kendrick Nunn expected to contribute significantly. The team is also looking to integrate new additions like Patrick Beverley and Dennis Schroder into the lineup.

James' absence from the preseason will provide an opportunity for other players to step up and showcase their abilities. It will also allow Ham to experiment with different lineup combinations and strategies before the regular season begins.

The Lakers open their regular season on October 18 against the Golden State Warriors, the defending NBA champions. James is expected to be ready for that game and will be looking to lead the Lakers to their 18th NBA championship.