Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick provided an update on LeBron James’ playing time, confirming the team is carefully managing his minutes, especially in back-to-back games.
Los Angeles Lakers have been off to a strong start this season, and they added another win 133-121 over the New Orleans Pelicans without LeBron James, who just returned to the court about a week ago and did not play in the game.
Los Angeles Lakers / Schedule
With James back, the Lakers are focused on managing his minutes, especially in back-to-back games.
Head coach JJ Redick addressed the situation ahead of the Lakers’ upcoming game against the Phoenix Suns, which is the second game of a back-to-back.
“It's something we've had to manage,” Redick said via Broderick Turner of the LA Times. “Given the back-to-back and the fact that he's basically just coming off his training camp — this has been his training camp over the last 10 days or so — [we're] just being cautious.”
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Redick added that while the goal is for James to play in back-to-backs eventually, each situation will be evaluated individually.
“No, we're going to build him up, hopefully, to be able to play in back-to-backs,” Redick added. “That's the goal. But you are correct. Every back-to-back is a case-by-case. That's just the reality of the NBA right now. But we want him to be able to play in back-to-backs. So does he. So, we're going to work toward that.”
At 40 years old and in his 23rd season, James needs time to regain full game shape after his absence.
This season, in 4 games played, James averages 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 49.1% from the field and 33.3% from three.
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