"Too old to play": Lakers coach reveals LeBron's status for preseason
LeBron James to sit out Lakers' preseason opener, status for other games uncertain
Coach Darvin Ham says James 'not participating' in Sunday's game due to age
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James will not play in the team's preseason opener on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings, coach Darvin Ham announced on Saturday.
Ham said the decision was made due to James' age, as the 38-year-old forward is entering his 20th NBA season.
"He's not participating," Ham said. "He's a little bit older now, so we're just being smart with him."
Ham added that James' status for the Lakers' other preseason games is still up in the air.
"We'll see how he feels," Ham said. "We're not going to push him."
James has been dealing with a nagging foot injury this offseason, but Ham said that the injury is not a factor in his decision to sit out the preseason opener.
"His foot is fine," Ham said. "This is just about managing his minutes."
James is coming off a season in which he averaged 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. He led the Lakers to the NBA championship in 2020, but the team has struggled in recent years.
The Lakers are hoping to bounce back this season with a healthy James and a new-look roster that includes Russell Westbrook, Anthony Davis, and Patrick Beverley.
Key Points:
- LeBron James will not play in the Lakers' preseason opener on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings.
- Coach Darvin Ham says the decision was made due to James' age, as the 38-year-old forward is entering his 20th NBA season.
- Ham added that James' status for the Lakers' other preseason games is still up in the air.
- James is coming off a season in which he averaged 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game.
- The Lakers are hoping to bounce back this season with a healthy James and a new-look roster that includes Russell Westbrook, Anthony Davis, and Patrick Beverley.
