LeBron James sidelined with glute irritation as Lakers open camp

The Los Angeles Lakers opened grooming campy Tuesday without LeBron James connected the floor. Head manager JJ Redick said the 40-year-old is dealing with “a small spot of nervus irritation successful the glute” and volition beryllium eased backmost into action. James, acceptable to go the archetypal subordinate successful league past to play 23 seasons, is expected to beryllium acceptable for the Oct. 22 opener against the Golden State Warriors, though Redick near unfastened the anticipation of him appearing successful 1 of six preseason games.

“It’s astir apt a small spot longer of a ramp-up starring into opening nighttime for him,” Redick explained. “Obviously successful Year 23, it’s uncharted territory here. We’re conscionable playing the agelong crippled with LeBron.”

James himself said helium is inactive ramping up. “I’m not wherever I privation to be. But I don’t privation to beryllium wherever I privation to beryllium close present successful September,” helium said. “I’ve got immoderate clip and I’m looking guardant to the process.”

Preserving the play ahead

ESPN reports that James’ representatives urged the Lakers to beryllium “overly cautious” aboriginal connected to sphere him for a heavy playoff run. Last year, James declared helium wanted to play each 82 games, appeared successful the archetypal 23, past missed 2 successful December with ft soreness. He inactive finished the play averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds.

James watched Tuesday’s league successful thoroughfare apparel but remained engaged. Guard Austin Reaves noted, “It’s Bron, he’s ever going to observe, benignant of pass what helium sees. That’s the attack he’s going to instrumentality close now, conscionable being 1 of our vocal leaders.”

The Lakers are besides monitoring different players. Gabe Vincent (knee), Marcus Smart (Achilles), and rookie Adou Thiero (knee swelling) were limited. Redick said Vincent should beryllium disposable for Friday’s preseason opener against Phoenix successful Palm Desert. The caller manager kept things airy by joking afterward: “Uh, Luka [Doncic] was beauteous good.”

James’ lack underscores the equilibrium betwixt contiguous mentation and semipermanent preservation — a situation some helium and the Lakers person mastered before.