The Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis, left, jokes as LeBron James attends an interview during the NBA basketball team’s media day on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, in El Segundo, California. (AP Photo/Jay C. Hong)
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — LeBron James and Anthony Davis will play during the Los Angeles Lakers’ first two preseason games this weekend, allowing both superstars to quickly get back to work after a busy summer that also included Olympic gold.
James and Davis could play one or both games, new coach JJ Redick said Thursday before the Lakers traveled to Coachella Valley. Los Angeles will face Minnesota on Friday and Phoenix on Sunday in Palm Desert, California.
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“They’re going to play this weekend, but we’re still talking about what the minutes and rotation will be for everybody,” Redick said after the Lakers’ third practice of training camp.
READ: NBA: LeBron feeling ‘pure joy’ as Lakers camp begins with Bronny James
That means James could be on the court this weekend with his eldest son and Lakers second-round draft pick Bronny James at Acrizar Arena. No father and son have ever played in the NBA at the same time, let alone on the same team.
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Both LeBron and Bronny have been waiting for that moment — and so have the rest of the Lakers, who have already seen the James family’s natural competitiveness come to the fore in camp.
“It’s awesome to be here and witness it in practice,” Davis said Wednesday. “Bronny hit a 3 over (LeBron), (and) everybody was talking in favor of Bronny. Then Braun came down and threatened someone and got him fired. …Even if they don’t compete, there’s competition, and that’s what we like to see.”
Bronny, who will turn 20 on Sunday, is expected to get significant playing time in the preseason before spending a good portion of the regular season with the G League’s South Bay Lakers.
READ: NBA: Lakers considering when LeBron will share the court with son Bronny
LeBron James and Davis were on the gold medal-winning US team at the Paris Olympics. LeBron then took an extended vacation in Europe, but he got back to work last month preparing for his 22nd NBA season, tying him with Vince Carter for the longest careers in league history.
Shortly after Redick got the job in late June, James was busy with the U.S. team and did not speak much with his former podcast partner Redick. But both James and Davis have spoken to Redick frequently this week about their plans and preparations for the upcoming season.
“There were just random texts here or there talking about it, but now I’m diving into it,” James said Tuesday.
Davis appears to be in ideal health again this season after playing a career-best 76 games last season.
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The Lakers are playing their entire preseason schedule away from Los Angeles while renovations are completed at their downtown arena. They open the regular season on October 22 at home against Minnesota.
