The Los Angeles Lakers play their first preseason game of 2024 on Friday evening against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Inland Empire. It will be JJ Redick’s first game as head coach, and the contest will give fans a first look at his new offensive and defensive plans, which will likely be more organized and structured than those of his predecessor, Darvin Ham.

Since LeBron James and Anthony Davis were at the Summer Olympics, and especially since James is 39 years old, the question is how often the two will play in the preseason. The Lakers’ next preseason game is on Sunday evening against the Phoenix Suns.

Redick said both would play “this weekend,” but James would not be in action on Friday.

About ESPN:

Los Angeles will have a series of back-to-back preseason games in two weeks and three back-to-back games in four days. Managing James’ workload will be an important storyline to keep an eye on during the preseason and the first two or three months of the regular season.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: LeBron James will not play in the Lakers’ season opener