The Los Angeles Lakers will play their first game of the 2024 preseason against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday evening in the Inland Empire. It will be JJ Redick’s first game as head coach, and the game 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 played in the Olympics this summer, and especially since James is 39 years old, the question is how much the two will play in the preseason. The Lakers’ next preseason game is Sunday night against the Phoenix Suns.

Redick said both will play “this weekend,” but James will not play on Friday.

Via ESPN:

Los Angeles will play a series of back-to-back preseason games in two weeks, and three in four days. Managing James’ workload will be a key storyline to watch 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 Lakers preseason opener