Absent on the first day of training camp! James is preparing to start slowly in his 23rd year of his career

On the first day of the Los Angeles Lakers' training camp in the new season, LeBron James did not appear on the court. Head coach Redick explained that James was absent due to "slight nerve stimulation of the hips", and whether he would play in the preseason is still unknown.

James will turn 41 in December this year, and he will also become the first player in NBA history to play for 23 seasons. Redick said the team's "target" is to get James to catch up with the regular season opening game with the Warriors, but he did not rule out the possibility of the veteran playing in the Lakers' preseason. Redick said: "This may be a longer process of condition adjustment. After all, this is his 23rd season, which is an unprecedented area." Redick mentioned that James frequently appeared in training camp last year to show his dedication and to support himself who had just taken office. Redick said: "We will be slower this year. His body has been wearing and tear for 22 years and now there are some nerve stimulation. We have to think about it in the long run." James said in an interview with ESPN on Monday local time that it remains to be seen how much training he will participate in in the training camp. "I am still gradually adjusting my state, not reaching my ideal level. But it's only September, and I don't want to reach my ideal state at this moment. Time is enough, and I look forward to gradually adjusting to the best." James said.

According to sources, the James team communicated with the Lakers management before training camp and asked the team to be "extra cautious" at the beginning of the season to protect the veteran and prepare for the long-term goal of the playoffs.

James averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds last season. He once claimed to play 82 games, but after persisting in the first 23 games, James missed two games in early December due to sore left foot.

The Lakers will face the Suns in the California Palm Desert this Saturday to start six preseason games. It is reported that James will not play in the battle with the Suns. But Redick mentioned: "If he can play at least one game in the preseason, that's good, and we hope this will happen." Today, James was watching from the sidelines in casual clothes, and he still had a sense of presence. Lakers guard Reeves said: "You know, he is James, he always observes and communicates his own opinions. His role is our voice leader, which is what he has been doing in his career."

Reddick also revealed that the team's training camp did not arrange full participation on the first day of Vincent (left knee injury management), Smart (left Achilles tendon injury) and rookie Thiero (left knee swelling) but Vincent is expected to play in the preseason against the Suns.

As for which Lakers players participated in the training camp throughout the whole process? Redick smiled and said, "Well, Doncic looks pretty good."

(text/Thai Fu)