LeBron James and Anthony Davis will play some time during the Los Angeles Lakers’ first two preseason games this weekend, getting the two champions back to work quickly after a busy summer that included Olympic gold.
James and Davis could play in one or both games, new coach JJ Redick said Thursday before the Lakers headed to the Coachella Valley. Los Angeles will face Minnesota on Friday and Phoenix on Sunday in Palm Desert, California.
“They’re going to play this weekend, but we’re still talking about what minutes and rotations look like for everybody,” Redick said after the Lakers’ third practice.
That means James could be on the court at Acrisure Arena this weekend with Bronny James, his oldest son and the Lakers’ second-round draft pick. No father and son have ever played in the NBA at the same time, let alone on the same team.
LeBron and Bronny are both waiting for that moment — and so are the rest of the Lakers, who can see the natural rivalry of the James family already in camp.
“It’s nice to be able to be here and witness practice,” Davis said Wednesday. “Bronny hit 3 overs (LeBron), (and) everybody was talking in favor of Bronny. Then it came down and Bron just fouled somebody and got a layup. … Even though they weren’t matched, the competition is there. , and that’s what we like to see.”
Bronny, who turns 20 on Sunday, is expected to get significant playing time before spending much of the regular season with the South Bay Lakers of the G League.
LeBron James and Davis were on the American team that won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics. LeBron then took an extended vacation in Europe, but returned to work last month in preparation for his 22nd NBA season, tying him with Vince Carter for the longest career in league history.
James was busy with Team USA and didn’t talk much with Redick, his former podcast partner, immediately after Redick got the job in late June. But James and Davis both spoke with Redick several times this week about their plans and preparation for the upcoming season.
“It was just random texts here and there talking about it, but now I’m coming in,” James said Tuesday.
Davis looks to be healthy again this fall after playing in a career-best 76 games last season.
The Lakers are playing their entire preseason away from Los Angeles while renovations are completed at their downtown arena. They open the regular season at home against Minnesota on Oct. 22.
It is reported by the Associated Press.
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