Lakers Limit LeBron After Glute, MCL Issues

LeBron James sat out the Lakers’ first practice as the team implements a cautious ramp‑up while he manages nerve irritation in his glute and a sprained MCL suffered in the playoffs, with coach J.J. Redick describing a 'long‑game' approach. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that James’ camp has urged the club to be "overly cautious," and the team will limit his on‑court participation during training camp and the preseason while building him back to full strength. Team officials say James, nearly 41 and coming off a 70‑game season with All‑Star and All‑NBA honors, is expected to be available for the regular‑season opener but will be monitored and have reduced practice and preseason minutes. The Lakers plan to manage his regular‑season minutes to preserve him for a postseason push, aided by new teammate Luka Dončić, and other veterans including Marcus Smart and Gabe Vincent are also being handled cautiously in camp.