Lakers Rumors: LeBron James to Sit out 2024 NBA Preseason Opener vs. Timberwolves

NBA fans will have to wait a little longer to see LeBron James in the preseason.

Dave McMenamin of ESPN reported that the Los Angeles Lakers star would not play in the team's first preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Lakers head coach J.J. Redick told reporters that James would play at some point over the weekend. The Lakers' second preseason game is against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday.

James is entering his 22nd season in the NBA and his seventh with the Lakers. He signed a two-year deal to return to Los Angeles in the 2024 NBA offseason and the 40-year-old has lots to look forward to.

Redick is entering his first season as the head coach and had a podcast with James prior to his hiring by the Lakers. Additionally, James is set to play alongside his son, Bronny, and the two will become the first father-son duo in NBA history.

The Lakers are also a competitive team that went 47-35 in 2023-24 before falling in five games to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs, a step back after reaching the Western Conference finals during the 2022-23 season.

As James looks to capture another NBA title before calling it a career, maintaining his peak physical condition is important and sitting out a preseason matchup will help with his longevity.