The Los Angeles Lakers opened training camp without their biggest star fully active. A glute issue sidelined LeBron James, raising questions about his readiness for the Oct. 21 season opener against the Golden State Warriors. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that James’ camp urged the Lakers to be “overly cautious” as he begins his 23rd NBA season — a mark no player in league history has ever reached.
Head coach JJ Redick explained the approach. “It’s probably a little bit longer of a ramp-up leading into opening night for him,” Redick said. “Obviously in Year 23, it’s uncharted territory here.”
LeBron’s Own Perspective
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James, who turned 40 last December, addressed the balancing act between preparation and preservation.
“I’m still ramping things back up. I’m not where I want to be,” James told McMenamin. “But I mean, I don’t want to be where I want to be right now in September. So, I got some time and I’m looking forward to the process of getting there.”
The Lakers will limit his training camp participation, with McMenamin noting James may be reduced to light shooting and off-court work. The plan reflects lessons learned from last season, when an active preseason left James worn down by December.
A Long-Term View
Redick admitted the team miscalculated a year ago. “I felt — and talking with performance staff and LeBron — like he probably did too much last year in camp, which was great for me as a first-year head coach to get buy-in from him. But it’ll be a slower process with him leading into the first game. He’s dealing with a little bit of nerve irritation in the glutes, we’re just playing the long game with LeBron.”
That “long game” centers on ensuring James is at his best in the spring. After suffering a Grade 2 MCL sprain in last season’s playoffs, his health is inseparable from the Lakers’ title hopes.
Contract and Future Beyond This Season
James exercised his $52.6 million option this offseason, but he will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026. He insists that looming decision will not affect his approach.
“It will have no impact,” James said. “I’m super excited about the challenges and the excitement of our team… I’m not worried about contracts at this point in my career.”
Retirement remains an open question, hinging on his passion for preparation. “For me, it’s just, am I still excited about the process? Do I still get motivated about the process every single year? … I think once I kind of fall out of love with the process, then I’ll know for sure. Then, it’d probably be the end for me.”
What’s Ahead for the Lakers
The Lakers’ strategy is clear: prioritize James’ availability for April through June rather than October through December. His partnership with Luka Dončić, now entering their first full season together, has fueled championship expectations in Los Angeles.
McMenamin summarized the stakes: “If this team is going to be contending for a championship, we need LeBron in his best shape from April through June.”
For now, the Lakers enter what Redick called “uncharted territory,” navigating how to manage the NBA’s oldest active player without compromising his ability to deliver when it matters most.