LeBron James and Anthony Davis are set to make their preseason debuts Sunday night against the Phoenix Suns, reports Khobi Price of The Orange County Register.
Both Lakers stars were held out of Friday’s preseason loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, with head coach J.J. Redick explaining that he wanted to be cautious given their heavy summer workload.
James and Davis had participated in the Olympics and faced an intense training camp, so the team opted to rest them to avoid unnecessary risks before the regular season.
“We want to carry over with what we did [Saturday] at practice,” James said. “We were very intent on what we want to accomplish going forward. [Friday] was one of those first games. It’s been a while since a lot of guys have played in a game setting. And it looked that way.”
James’ comments reflect the focus and determination the team is bringing into the preseason, as the Lakers aim to build rhythm and chemistry heading into the upcoming season.
Both he and Davis are expected to play pivotal roles for the Lakers, who are looking to bounce back from a disappointing end to last season.
Despite the precautions taken by Redick in managing their minutes early on, their debut against the Suns will give fans a first glimpse at how the duo, now rested and refreshed, is shaping up for the long season ahead.
Sunday’s game will also allow the Lakers to further integrate their offseason acquisitions and assess how new players fit alongside their star duo.
Expectations are high for the Lakers to re-establish themselves as title contenders, and the return of LeBron and Davis to the court marks a key step in that process.
Lakers Notes: LeBron, Davis, Bronny, Christie, Knecht https://t.co/mGhTb6TtCm pic.twitter.com/80mjgj7fA1
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) October 6, 2024
